What You Need to Know About Fluoride

Fluoride. What’s the big deal about fluoride, you may ask? Well, did you know that fluoride can be credited for a sharp decline in the amount of tooth decay over the last several years according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Fluoride works hard against cavities and tooth decay to protect the pearly whites of both children and adults. Safeguard your smile with fluoride and fluoridation administered safely in our Stonebrook Family Dental office. Dr. Varley and his team will show you all that fluoride can do to help you in the fight against tooth decay!

What Does Fluoride Do?

The American Dental Association shares five supporting reasons why fluoride treatments are essential. Fluoride: 1) prevents tooth decay; 2) protects all age groups from cavities; 3) is effective and safe; 4) saves money (less to pay for fluoridating water/treatments than to fill cavities); and 5) it’s natural.

Fluoride is a natural-occurring mineral found in our groundwater and oceans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called fluoride one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Stonebrook Family Dental can help you experience the benefits of in-office treatments.

The Science Behind It

The power of fluoride resides in its ability to make your teeth more resistant to plaque and plaque acids that start eroding your teeth every time you eat or drink. Plaque acids and bacteria draw vital mineral from the enamel of your teeth. Fluoride restores those lost minerals maintaining their proper strength.  

At What Age Should Fluoride Be Used?

Some are under the misconception that only children are in need of fluoride, but both adults and children benefit.  It is true that the time when teeth are developing and erupting is one of the most important times for fluoride use (between ages 6 months – 16 years) but all ages benefit from stronger, more decay-resistant teeth with regular fluoride treatments.  

What Are Your Treatment Options?

Stonebrook Family Dental offers a few different fluoride options at our Aurora office. Treatment protocol will depend on your age and other factors.  For children, Dr. Varley typically recommends a topical varnish that is much easier to use than traditional rinses, foams and trays.

Varnish is easily applied with a cotton swab or brush, through a rinse solution, or can also be placed in a tray that is held in your mouth for a few minutes.

To allow your teeth to absorb the minerals they need from the fluoride treatment, patients are instructed not to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes following a treatment session.  Absorption will typically continue over a period of 24 hours and is the last process of a regular dental cleaning.

At Risk Categories

The American Dental Association provides information for conditions or diseases that can put you at more risk for tooth decay increase your need for regular fluoride treatments. These conditions include:  

• lack of regular professional dental care
• active orthodontic treatment combined with poor oral hygiene
• high levels of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth
• exposed root surfaces of teeth
• decreased salivary flow, resulting in dry mouth
• poor diet
• poor oral hygiene
• active cavities
• eating disorders
• drug or alcohol abuse
• existing restorations (fillings)
• tooth enamel defects
• undergoing head and neck radiation therapy

If you suffer from any of the above conditions, keep your mouth protect it with regular examinations with Dr. Varley. When your mouth is healthy, your overall health also profits.

How Often Are Treatments Needed?

High-risk conditions may mean that you need treatment every three, six or 12 months. A comprehensive examination with Dr. Varley will reveal if you are at high risk for tooth decay. In some cases, Dr.Varley, may recommended additional preventive measures such as: over-the-counter or prescription therapeutic products in the form of fluoride mouth rinses, gels or antibacterial mouth rinses.  

Not all fluoride products are the same. Before you purchase over-the-counter fluoride products, talk with Dr. Varley. It is important to understand what your true fluoride needs are, and you want to also ensure that the products you choose carry the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance which ensures that they have been carefully screened by the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs and have met the criteria for safety and effectiveness.  

Even with approved products, administration of fluoride is better handled by a licensed dental professional.  Too much fluoride can have disastrous (and permanent) effects on your teeth.

Fluoridated Water? Yep, You Still Need Treatment

In the United States, most city water supplies are fluoridated. As a matter of fact, 62% of the public has water with adequate levels.  While fluoride is supplemented in toothpastes, and mouth rinses, the concentration from these sources is very small and should not be your only source.  Treatments used in-office give you a much more concentrated dose and produce results that will help you stand up to tooth decay. Studies show that children who receive regular treatments–once every 6 months–have up to 40% fewer cavities than those who do not receive this treatment.

Schedule a Consultation Today

An effective dental care plan provides regular fluoride treatments to help you fight tooth decay, periodontal disease and cavities from developing. Keep your smile bright, and your teeth strong! To learn more about our treatments or to schedule an appointment, call our Aurora office today at 303-872-7907. Fluoride treatments are just one of the many ways our team at Stonebrook Family Dental is here to keep both your mouth AND your body healthy.