How Fluoride Treatments Help Your Teeth
Posted on 9/24/2018 by Michael Mettler |
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A visit to the dentist’s office is beneficial to your oral health for a number of reasons. Some of the benefits of going to the dentist are things you are already familiar with, such as having your teeth cleaned, checking for cavities, etc. Checking in with your dental team here at Stone Creek Dental Care on a consistent basis is the best way to keep your mouth on track for a healthy future. And, of course, if you live in the Walla Walla area, Dr. Martin and her team are the perfect partner for your oral health.
In addition to many of the dental treatments you are familiar with, there are some which are not as well-known – but still, offer a valuable benefit to the patient. One of those is fluoride treatment. For some patients, fluoride treatment will be the right choice to improve the long-term health of the teeth. Lets take a quick look at what this treatment is, and why you would want to consider it as part of your oral health care.
What is Fluoride?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s slow down and talk for a minute about what fluoride is in the first place. Fluoride is a natural mineral, and it is found in water sources. It has been shown through research that fluoride is important for the health of your teeth. It seems to reduce cavities, repair early tooth decay, and more. The idea is that the fluoride repairs the enamel on your teeth which has been damaged through day to day use. More specifically, fluoride helps with the process of remineralization. With fluoride working for you, it should be possible to strengthen your teeth and fight off decay.
If you have children, you have probably heard dentists talk about fluoride before. Tooth decay is surprisingly common in children, which makes fluoride an important topic. Making sure children are getting enough fluoride is important because this mineral can serve an important line of defense against tooth decay at a young age. As it turns out, what is good for children seems to be good for their parents, as well. Not only can fluoride help fight tooth decay in the young, but it can do the same thing for older individuals, as well.
For many people, fluoride is delivered in their drinking water. A significant number of municipalities fluoridate their water with the express purpose of fighting off tooth decay. With that said, you would actually have to drink your tap water in order to get any benefit, which is something that many people do not do. For instance, if you drink mostly bottled water, there is a good chance that water does not include fluoride. Without a source of fluoride regularly flowing past your teeth, you may be at an increased risk for tooth decay.
Dealing with tooth decay is no fun. Taking steps to avoid that possibility is a good idea, and fluoride treatments are one of the leading options for fighting off decay. The idea is very simple – the fluoride treatments can make your teeth stronger, and you will hopefully be able to avoid the issues that come along with tooth decay for the foreseeable future. Fluoride treatments are no guarantee that you won’t wind up with some degree of decay, of course, but they are a nice step to take.
One of the best pieces of news you can receive about fluoride treatment is just how quick and easy the process is for the patient. When most people think about being treated at the dentist, they think about uncomfortable – even painful – experiences that seem to last forever. That is not the case in most instances, and it is certainly not the case when it comes to fluoride treatment. Don’t hesitate to have a fluoride treatment completed because you are worried about going through the treatment process. There is nothing to fear, and you will be glad you took a step to improve your overall oral health.
At Stone Creek Dental Care, we use what is known as fluoride varnish. When you receive a treatment, the fluoride will be brushed onto your teeth and allowed to sit for a period of several hours. While it might feel a little odd to have this product rest on your teeth for a few hours, it shouldn’t be any big deal. When the treatment is finished, you can just brush away the fluoride and move on with your day. You can even eat or drink while the fluoride is in place, although it is a good idea to stay away from things like crunchy snacks or hot drinks.
When you think about what you stand to gain, which is the possibility of fighting off tooth decay, it seems like an easy choice to have fluoride varnish applied by your dentist. This is a simple treatment, it is not a painful experience, and it can offer patients meaningful benefits over the long run. If you aren’t sure whether or not fluoride treatments would be a good choice in your case, simply speak with one of our team members about the matter. It is always a good idea to get a professional opinion on any kind of treatment you are considering, and we will be able to answer questions you have about the importance of this treatment and what it can offer your teeth if you decide to go ahead.
If you have questions about fluoride treatments or any other services available at Stone Creek Dental Care, please feel free to contact our office during business hours. We look forward to serving you! |
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