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Fluoride Applications

The enamel that makes up the outermost layer of your teeth is made of tiny mineral crystals. These crystals are constantly lost to the acids in your mouth, especially when you eat carbohydrates. To replenish their supply, your body needs a steady supply of minerals including calcium and fluoride.

Calcium itself is fairly common – especially in an age where so many products are fortified with it. Fluoride, on the other hand, is less bioavailable and less common – which means that many of us are deficient in it. This deficiency can lead to permanent discoloration, chips, and plaque in your teeth.

Fortunately, our clinic offers fluoride applications that will reinforce the mineral crystals in your teeth, ensuring none of the above happen!

The 3 Kinds of Fluoride Treatments

The first kind of fluoride treatment is supplemental. Foods, supplements, and beverages reinforced with fluoride are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. This is an effective method – but it takes a while to work.

Topical fluoride treatments are applied directly to the teeth – usually at home. These work too, but overexposure to the chemical can make you sick and hurt your teeth, which makes this a risky choice for first-timers.

Professional fluoride treatments are topical too, but unlike regular topical solutions, these are applied by a trained dentist using specialist technology.

Supplements are wonderful as a long-term solution to a fluoride deficiency. Topical fluoride treatments are perfect if you need a fluoride application in the near future – but if you’re going the DIY route, make sure you know what you’re doing prior to starting the process.

Fluoride Treatment and Children

Children under 16 need more fluoride than adults because their teeth are still forming and their bodies – growing. For this reason, it’s recommended that they get fluoride treatment in the form of supplements taken regularly, or fluoride applications (like the one we offer at our clinic).

Of course, children aren’t the only ones in need. Anyone whose teeth are particularly sensitive to tartar, plaque, and cavities could likely use a little extra fluoride. It doesn’t matter what your age is, really!

Just be mindful of the fact that excessive fluoride can damage teeth and overall health. For this reason, it may be best to avoid DIY options – and avoid keeping fluoride supplements where children can easily reach them. (This applies to fluoride-fortified toothpaste too. Small kids can easily swallow it so be careful and refer to a dentist if at all possible.)

To find out more about the fluoride treatments we offer at our clinic or get a free consultation, call us at (678) 304-0444. We look forward to hearing from you!