Quick Summary
Fluoride is not only for children. In-office fluoride treatment re-mineralises teeth by bringing calcium and phosphate ions together to strengthen enamel, which makes teeth more resistant to decay. It contains higher concentrations than over-the-counter toothpaste or rinses, reduces sensitivity caused by weakened enamel, and can be targeted at the specific teeth showing the most risk.
If you are looking for another way to protect the health of your smile, fluoride is a great option to consider. Keep reading to learn four reasons why this beneficial treatment should be a part of your next regular dental checkup!
1. In-Office Fluoride Treatments Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay
Children are routinely given fluoride treatments at dental checkups to prevent tooth decay as their adult teeth come in, but adults also benefit from this extra layer of dental protection. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a large majority of adults aged twenty to sixty-four are affected by tooth decay and cavities compared to only a small percentage of children aged six to eleven!
As you age, your teeth become more susceptible to tooth decay due to general wear and tear as well as mineral loss. Fluoride treatments re-mineralize your teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to tooth decay.
When fluoride is applied to your teeth, it brings calcium and phosphate ions together to strengthen the enamel, which protects your teeth.
2. In-Office Fluoride Treatments are More Effective Than Over-the-Counter Treatments
While you can get fluoride from an ADA-approved toothpaste or mouth rinse, the strength and concentration of the fluoride contained in these products are not nearly as strong or as effective as enamel-strengthening in-office fluoride treatment. At Merry Dental, we offer our patients in-office fluoride treatments that contain higher levels of fluoride to repair and strengthen your protective tooth enamel.
While fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral already found in your teeth, high doses of additional fluoride can actually be detrimental to the health of your teeth. In-office fluoride treatments take away any worries about over-fluorination by ensuring your teeth get the safest and most beneficial amount of fluoride.
3. In-Office Fluoride Treatment Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
If you have sensitive teeth, consuming a hot beverage, like a morning cup of coffee, or cold food, like a summery ice cream cone, can cause mild-to-serious discomfort or pain. A professional, in-office fluoride treatment can enable you to enjoy these simple pleasures without that sensitivity!
Tooth sensitivity is caused by weakened or damaged tooth enamel, which exposes the sensitive nerves in the tooth pulp. It is often caused by things like poor dental hygiene habits, aggressive tooth brushing with a stiff-bristled toothbrush, or untreated tooth decay.
Fluoride treatments can alleviate that sensitivity by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing exposure to the tooth pulp.
4. In-Office Fluoride Treatments Offer More Comprehensive Protection
When applied by a dental care professional, in-office fluoride treatments are more comprehensive than other fluoride treatments. Applied after routine cleaning and checkup, in-office fluoride treatments can target specific areas which show a higher risk of developing tooth decay or might be causing tooth sensitivity.
Even if you don’t have problematic dental issues, a dental care professional can better evenly and accurately apply fluoride treatments as you sit in the comfort of our dental chairs. Just as a professional dental cleaning can reach even hard-to-get-to places in your mouth, with in-office fluoride treatments, we are able to make sure every tooth has complete protection.
The in-office fluoride treatments offered at Merry Dental are just another way we can help you ensure the health of your smile. While this treatment takes just minutes to apply, it can protect and strengthen your teeth for months!
Do you want to learn more about how fluoride treatments can help keep your teeth healthy? Schedule your next dental checkup with fluoride treatment at Merry Dental in Billerica, MA, today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is in-office fluoride stronger than toothpaste?
Yes. You can get fluoride from an ADA-approved toothpaste or mouth rinse, but the strength and concentration in those products is not as high as an in-office treatment. Merry Dental offers in-office fluoride treatments containing higher levels of fluoride to repair and strengthen tooth enamel.
How does fluoride strengthen a tooth?
Fluoride treatments re-mineralise your teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. When applied, fluoride brings calcium and phosphate ions together to strengthen the enamel that protects your teeth.
Can fluoride help sensitive teeth?
Tooth sensitivity is caused by weakened or damaged enamel, which exposes the sensitive nerves in the tooth pulp. It is often caused by poor dental hygiene habits, aggressive brushing with a stiff-bristled toothbrush, or untreated decay. Fluoride treatments can ease that sensitivity by strengthening the enamel and reducing exposure of the pulp.
Can I get too much fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral already found in your teeth, but high doses of additional fluoride can be detrimental. In-office fluoride treatments remove that concern by ensuring your teeth receive the safest and most beneficial amount.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.