Flouride Treatment

What Does Fluoride Do?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in drinking water and many foods, although it is most commonly associated with toothpaste. The reason Fluoride is in toothpaste is because it helps rebuild tooth enamel.

On a daily basis, tooth enamel becomes weaker from acids, plaques and sugars that build up on teeth, causing the enamel to demineralize. To combat the effects of acids, plaques and sugars, Fluoride must be remineralized. Remineralization can come from water and food, where fluoride, calcium and phosphates are found. Teeth need to be remineralized with fluoride faster than they demineralize to prevent tooth decay.

As you may have guessed, it is hard to keep up with remineralization for many people because of external factors such as dry mouth, gum disease, or other health conditions. That’s why it’s important to keep up your oral hygiene routine by brushing with toothpaste that has fluoride in it. But sometimes, your oral health needs a boost.

At Stonegate Dental, we help patients build their enamel with Fluoride Treatments.

Fluoride Is Important For Everyone's Oral Health

Fluoride plays a large role in preventing cavities and early decay. At any age, it is important to disrupt the build up of acid production. It is very important that infants and children are exposed to fluoride as their baby teeth and adult teeth erupt. It is also important that adults continue their exposure to fluoride.

People with certain conditions may be at increased risk of tooth decay and would therefore benefit from additional fluoride treatment. They include people with:

• Dry mouth conditions : Dry mouth can make an individual more prone to cavities because the lack of saliva makes it harder for food particles to wash away and for acids to be neutralized. Dry mouth can be caused by diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, certain medications (allergy medications, antihistamines, anti- anxiety medications, and high blood pressure drugs), and head or neck radiation treatment.

• Gum disease : Gum disease can expose more of your teeth and their roots more prone to bacteria that leads to inflamed gums
• Multiple Cavities: If you are a patient that has multiple cavities per visit or a history of frequent cavities, Fluoride treatments will help control the rate of decay

• Presence of dental crowns, dental bridges or braces: Having additional appliances in the mouth can put teeth at risk for decay because of the small crevicies in the structure of the teeth and the appliances.

Fluoride Treatment in Guelph

During your dental examinations, Dr. Wat may recommend additional Fluoride treatments to help prevent the demineralization of your teeth and help build your enamel. Fluoride treatments are safe when kept at a low dose, and Dr. Wat can recommend how to monitor your intake.

Fluoride treatments at the dentist office are different than those found in over-the-counter mouthwashes and toothpastes. They are designed to stay on the teeth longer which helps the teeth rebuild. Fluoride is directly applied to teeth and should not be swallowed, nor should the patient drink, eat or smoke for an additional 30 minutes so the treatment has its desired effect. If Dr. Wat thinks that you may benefit from Fluoride supplements, she will give you a dosage that is specific to your needs and physical build.

For more information on Fluoride treatments, please contact our Dentist Office and we will be happy to help!