How To Protect Your Teeth
We love to share ways our patients can improve their oral health. We often speak about the importance of visiting our office regularly for an oral hygiene examination, receiving necessary treatments in a timely manner, and brushing and flossing your teeth properly. Did you know there is a treatment that can help strengthen and protect your teeth from decay and other issues? Read on to learn more.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, the outer covering of the teeth. It helps prevent cavities in adults and children. It can also reduce the amount of harmful acid left on the teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
There are two forms of fluoride that can be beneficial to your oral health. The first type is systemic fluoride, which is typically ingested through the public water supply. Over the years, the growing number of people who choose another option for their water source has dramatically decreased the amount of fluoride our patients are consuming. We are happy to provide our child and adult patients with topical fluoride treatments. This is applied directly to the teeth to help strengthen and protect the enamel. In addition to the treatments we provide, this form of fluoride can also be found in most toothpastes and mouthwashes.
The fluoride treatment we provide to patients couldn’t be easier. We apply it immediately following a cleaning, and it takes less than a minute. It is important that patients do not eat or drink for thirty minutes following the treatment to let their teeth absorb the fluoride. If you are looking to purchase toothpaste or mouthwash with fluoride, be sure to look for the seal of the American Dental Association. Products with this seal have been evaluated and approved by the ADA.
If you are interested in learning more about fluoride for yourself or a loved one or need a routine hygiene examination and cleaning, be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We are also happy to assist and treat those who live in Wilmington, Pike Creek, and Newark, DE. We look forward to seeing you soon!
