A Dental Office Near Troy Shares 4 Things to Know About Fluoride Treatments

You are thinking of going to a dental office to get fluoride treatments, but you are not quite sure yet. You know that fluoride helps prevent cavities, but do you need a fluoride treatment? Find out more about fluoride treatments to determine if you should schedule one.
What to know about fluoride treatment
1. Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel
Many people know that fluoride fights cavities, but few know how. Fluoride treatments strengthen the enamel, making it more difficult for cavities to form.
To understand this, one must understand the process of demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization occurs when people eat and drink items that contain sugar. The sugar attracts bacteria, and then acid forms. Acid removes calcium and phosphate from the enamel and makes it softer. This leads to decay. It is important to understand how fluoride impacts this process.
Remineralization is a process that repairs enamel. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate. Salivary glands go into overdrive during demineralization to add minerals back to the enamel. Fluoride makes the remineralization process more powerful, improving the strength of the enamel.
2. Fluoride treatments are recommended for patients at high risk for cavities
Fluoride plays an important role in preventing tooth decay. It can even repair teeth that are in the early stages of decay. Patients who are at high risk for cavities can go to a dental office to get a fluoride treatment.
While anyone can get cavities, some people are at a higher risk than others. Poor oral hygiene is one risk factor, but it is far from the only one. Other risk factors include:
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Eating disorders
- Eating a poor diet
- Existing tooth decay
- Defects in the enamel
- Dry mouth
- Exposed roots
- Failure to go to the dentist regularly
Those who are at high risk should visit the dentist.
3. Insurance typically covers children's fluoride treatments
Both children and adults can get fluoride treatments, but some insurance policies only cover treatments for children. People can talk to their dentists prior to treatment to find out if it will be covered.
4. The process is quick
Some people have dental anxiety, so the idea of going to a general dentist for a fluoride treatment is overwhelming. However, the treatment only takes a few minutes, and shots are not required.
The general dentist might use a varnish, foam, gel or solution for the fluoride treatment. There are two options for applying the treatment. The dentist might use a brush or swab to apply it to the teeth, or a tray. If the fluoride is placed in a tray, patients must hold it in their mouths for several minutes.
Visit a dental office for healthy teeth
Fluoride treatments at the general dentist can help you get healthier teeth. Fluoride strengthens enamel and is especially beneficial for those who are at high risk for cavities. The process is quick, and it might even be covered by insurance. Contact your dental office to find out more about these treatments.
Request an appointment here: https://www.thanasasdds.com or call Thanasas Family Dental Care at (248) 260-2878 for an appointment in our Troy office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
One of the requirements for a patient to be able to get a dental implants procedure is that the patient must have sufficient jaw bone to anchor the implant. Some patients who do not have adequate bone mass may be able to get implants by first having a bone graft procedure.A dental bone graft procedure…
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants are a common treatment method and are becoming increasingly popular. Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth and help to restore the functionality needed for proper biting, chewing, and even speaking. A potential recipient…
Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the look and function of their smile. When deciding whether to have the procedure, it is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment.There are a variety of things patients should know about dental implants when considering the procedure.Dental…
The decision to get dental implants is a big one, and one that can drastically change your life for the better. Dental implants offer substantial benefits over other tooth replacement options and can help prevent many of the adverse side effects of tooth loss. Because implants look and act like natural teeth and have the…