Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that protects teeth and keeps them from decaying. For decades, it has been a vital oral health therapy. Fluoride promotes healthy tooth enamel and inhibits the growth of germs that damage teeth and gums. Tooth enamel is the tooth’s exterior protective covering. It is a mineral that may be found in different levels in nearly all foods and water sources.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that aids in the rebuilding of tooth enamel and the reversal of early indications of tooth decay. Fluoride enters your body in two ways: systemically and topically. Fluoridated water and dietary fluoride supplements are examples of systemic fluorides that are consumed. Topical fluoride is administered directly to the teeth through toothpaste, mouth rinses, and dental procedures.
Fluoride is especially beneficial if you have a high risk of developing dental caries, often known as cavities. Cavities arise when germs on teeth and gums combine to produce a sticky coating of plaque. Plaque generates acid, which erodes teeth and gum tissue. Bacteria can infect and damage the nerves and blood in the centre of the tooth if plaque tears down the enamel layer.
What is fluoride treatment?
Fluoride treatments are generally professional treatments that include a high concentration of fluoride and are applied to a person’s teeth by a dentist to enhance health and minimise the chance of cavities. These in-office treatments might be a solution, gel, foam, or varnish. Certain fluoride solutions with high concentrations are accessible for use at home, but only under the guidance of a dentist. The fluoride used by dentists in these treatments is identical to that found in toothpaste. However, the treatment includes far greater dosages and may provide higher efficiency.
Fluoride advantages and fluoride treatments
Fluoride has various dental benefits:
- It aids the body’s use of minerals such as calcium and phosphate. These minerals are reabsorbed by the teeth in order to restore weakened tooth enamel.
- It integrates into the tooth structure throughout development to reinforce the enamel of the teeth, making them less sensitive to germs and cavities for the rest of their lives.
- It delays or even stops the formation of cavities by destroying the germs that cause them.
When combined, these advantages may aid in:
- Minimise the possibility of cavities
- Cavity formation is slowed.
- Extend the life of baby teeth
Fluoride treatments, in addition to preventing cavities and reducing the growth of germs, may also:
- avoid gum disease
- diminish tooth pain
- prevent teeth from losing out prematurely
Fluoride treatments can improve oral health, which is a significant indicator of future wellbeing, according to the World Health Organization. Poor dental health can lead to a variety of other health issues, including cardiovascular disease.
What is the efficacy of fluoride treatment?
A substantial amount of data from randomised controlled trials, the gold standard of scientific research, has demonstrated the advantages of topical fluoride treatments for decay prevention. According to one comprehensive study, fluoride treatments, such as fluoride varnish, have a significant effect in preventing cavities in both primary and permanent teeth.
We hope you found this content to be beneficial. Keep in mind that fluoride alone will not prevent dental caries! Brushing at least twice a day, flossing on a daily basis, eating a balanced diet, limiting sugary foods, and visiting your dentist. In case you are looking for the best fluoride treatment in Berwyn, IL, do not hesitate to contact Berwyn Dental Connection. Book your visit today.