Fluoride is a key mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpaste more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the harmful acid that is formed by bacteria. Dr. Rao, your local dentist for kids, may recommend a fluoride treatment in addition to your dental cleaning.
What Fluoride Treatments Look Like
The fluoride used in office treatments comes in either a gel or foam and may be available in several flavors. The fluoride is applied directly to teeth through the use of a plastic dental tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is kept in your mouth for just a few minutes. Fluoride treatments are a straightforward and painless way to strengthen your teeth and maintain an attractive smile.
Likely Patients
While many patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments in fortifying developing teeth in children, some do not realize the importance of fluoride for adults. Fluoride isn’t only recommended by your dentist for kids, but for adults as well. For this reason, fluoride treatments are sometimes recommended for adults who are susceptible to enamel wear or cavities.
If you’ve ever wondered if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, speak with our doctor about fluoride supplements. Dr. Rao will let you know if a fluoride treatment is required and will determine the precise supplement dosage. Don’t give your child fluoride supplements without speaking with your dentist first. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which discolors teeth and, ironically, can make teeth more susceptible to dental cavities.
Other Sources of Fluoride
A factor that affects the amount of fluoride your kids are receiving is where you get your drinking water. Your children may not need fluoride supplements if they drink tap water from a fluoridated Texas municipal water supply. If your family only drinks bottled water without fluoride, you may want to examine supplementation. Keep in mind that the FDA does not require bottled water companies to list the fluoride content on the bottle label and many brands sold in the Dallas area do not contain fluoride.
If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, speak with our doctor about helpful dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from cavities.
Our staff is enthusiastic about preventative dentistry with vital exams twice a year and dental cleanings that may include a fluoride treatment. Call our office today to book an exam and cleaning and be on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile!
The Addison Dentist provides first-rate dental care with a comprehensive menu of general and cosmetic dental care including dental implants, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry. Parents who schedule an appointment with The Addison Dentist take comfort in knowing that Dr. Rao is one of the best dentist for kids in the Addison area.
Contact The Addison Dentist:
469-998-2515
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
4145 Belt Line Rd Ste 208
Addison, Texas
75001