When you go to your dental checkup and cleaning, you might have been told you’d benefit from a fluoride treatment. You may be consistent with brushing and flossing at home, so you pass on it for now, but this service can still be beneficial for you! This mineral is a good way to help fight against cavities, so here’s more about it and just how great it can be for your smile.
What Is Fluoride?
In short, fluoride is a mineral that’s naturally occurring as it’s found in different foods and water. It’s used in dentistry specifically because it’s able to fortify your enamel. It delivers minerals that help strengthen it, so your grin will be more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. Better yet, it’s easy to get adequate levels of it as it’s found in many products like toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Is Fluoride Treatment Helpful in the Long Run?
If your enamel is weakened, then your smile may be more prone to cavities. However, you can prevent them when you get enough fluoride. A great way you can ensure your teeth are strong is by visiting your dentist. They will ensure there are no worrying signs and offer a treatment with this mineral if you need that extra boost of protection.
Aside from helping your smile regain its strength and be more resistant to acids produced by plaque, there are plenty of other benefits of this service. Recent studies have found that fluoride can inhibit harmful bacterial growth overall, so that’ll reduce your risk of decay.
It’s suitable for people of all ages, and it’s often very cost-effective! Taking a preventive measure can help you avoid more in-depth procedures later on. So, getting that added preventive care can be well worth it in the end.
How Will My Dentist Perform a Fluoride Treatment?
A fluoride treatment has several forms, but they all have the same goal. They put this mineral on your teeth and let it sit. Here are the different ways it may come in:
- Varnish: This is a sticky substance that’s painted on your smile, and it essentially adheres to it. It’s left on for several hours, allowing for proper penetration.
- Gel or Foam: Both of these are applied to a tray that sits over your teeth, ensuring they are properly covered. They are typically left on for a short period of time to make sure they get absorbed.
- Mouthwash: While this one isn’t as concentrated as the other two, it can be used at home to help you maintain proper levels.
Regardless of which one you get, you can feel confident knowing you’re helping your smile stay strong for longer.
About the Practice
At Oakton Dentistry by Design, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Pasquale Giordano and Dr. Joseph Khalil. We are dedicated to helping the local community feel the best about their grins with preventive care. By having routine visits, we can make sure your teeth are in great shape and offer treatments if they need a bit of extra help. If it’s time for your next semi-annual checkup and cleaning, schedule an appointment or call our office at (703) 938-4300.