Fluoride treatments are a standard part of teeth cleaning and dental care because they help support tooth enamel. Stronger tooth enamel means less risk of decay and fewer cavities. Regular fluoride treatments at Lovett Dental Sugar Land can play a role in a comprehensive program for a healthy mouth.
Do I Need Flouride Treatments?
Cavities are the result of tooth decay, but what are cavities? Bacteria typically found in the mouth feed on sugar. Every time you eat a sweet or carbohydrates, it feeds the bacteria, causing plaque. Plaque builds up on the teeth when not brushed away.
Plaque is a combination of food, bacteria, and saliva. When the bacteria in the plaque comes in contact with food, it produces an acid that eats away at the enamel on the surface of teeth and gum tissue. Eventually, small holes can form in the teeth. Fluoride treatments can strengthen enamel making the teeth resistant to cavities.
What Are Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that dentists use to help promote healthy teeth. It is often put to toothpaste and mouthwashes. Most counties in Texas add fluoride to the water supply; fluoridation of the water supply is recommended by nearly all public health and dental organizations in Texas. The American Dental Association states that fluoride not only strengthens tooth enamel, but it can reverse decay.
There are many ways to get fluoride. The best is via fluoride treatments in which dentists use concentrate fluoride, so you get more of it at one time.
It’s essential to follow the instructions when you get fluoride treatments. You will likely need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Food or liquid can wash away the fluoride and ruin the benefit of the treatment.
How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatments?
How often you should get fluoride treatments depends on several factors, including what kind of treatment the dentist applied. Follow whatever advice the staff gives you when you get your fluoride treatment. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends treatments at least once a year.
Learn More at Lovett Dental Sugar Land Today
Lovett Dental has multiple locations throughout Texas. Each office is a multidisciplinary practice offering the latest in dental care technology.
We also offer:
- Pediatric dentistry in Houston – Dental services for children
- Orthodontic – Treatment that helps align teeth.
- Periodontic – The treatment of gum and soft tissue in the mouth
- Maxillofacial surgery – Any dental surgery including wisdom tooth removal
- Endodontic – The treatment of dental pulp, the tissue inside a tooth
Each type of dental service will offer a different list of options.
A fluoride treatment is part of a comprehensive program to prevent tooth decay and give you a bright, healthy smile. You will also need to practice good oral hygiene at home, which includes brushing and flossing after every meal.
If you’re ready to make Lovett Dental Sugar Land your go-to Houston dentist, we’re looking forward to your call. If you have concerns or questions about fluoride or professional fluoride treatments, give us a call today at 281-759-5900, or contact us online. We are here to help.