Fluoride Treatment
Fountain Valley, CA
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues. While they are often associated with children, the truth is that anyone can get a cavity. A vast majority of adults have developed at least one cavity in an adult tooth in their lifetime. Cavities may be common, but they are also preventable. For many people, good oral hygiene practices are enough to prevent the development of cavities. There are some, however, who are more prone than others. Bijan Family Dental Practice can help you to further prevent cavity development with fluoride treatment and improve your smile.
What are the Risk Factors for Cavities?
Cavities can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, there are a few factors that can increase your risk. These factors include:
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Poor brushing and flossing habits. Brushing and flossing every day is essential for eliminating plaque and bacteria buildup. Ignoring these habits, even occasionally, can significantly increase your risk.
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Having crooked teeth. When your teeth are crooked, plaque and bacteria have more places to hide. Your teeth are also more difficult to clean thoroughly.
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Using tobacco products. Those who smoke or use other tobacco products typically have stickier plaque. This allows bacteria to more easily adhere to your teeth.
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You suffer from dry mouth. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition in which your mouth does not have enough saliva. As a result, your mouth feels tacky. When your mouth is dry, bacteria can thrive more easily. |
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is an essential naturally occurring element in your teeth. Like calcium and phosphate, other naturally occurring elements in your teeth, fluoride is essential for tooth strength. A natural process called demineralization occurs daily, during which fluoride and other minerals are lost. These minerals can, and should, also be replaced.
How Important is Fluoride?
Fluoride is essential for your teeth. This element works to protect your tooth enamel, allowing it to effectively fight off acid attacks and allowing them to remain strong and healthy. By strengthening your tooth enamel, fluoride helps to prevent the formation of decay and development of cavities. It is important that you replace the same amount of fluoride as you are losing. Replacing less fluoride can leave your teeth more vulnerable.
Protecting Teeth with Fluoride Treatments
You can find fluoride in many sources. It is in trace amounts in certain foods. It can be found in treated tap water. You can also find many different types of fluoridated oral care products, including toothpaste and mouthwashes. For most people, these sources are enough. However, if you are still developing cavities, we can help to provide you with additional protection with a fluoride treatment.
Fluoride treatments are incredibly simple and painless. They are typically performed following your routine dental cleanings. After cleaning your teeth, a fluoridated gel is painted onto the surfaces of your teeth. The gel remains on your teeth. There is no need to rinse it off or scrub it away. The fluoride in the gel absorbs directly into your tooth enamel and begins to go to work strengthening your teeth. It is recommended that you do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes after the application of your fluoride treatment to ensure optimal absorption. Fluoride treatments are safe enough to apply at each dental cleaning.
Fluoride treatments provide you with an additional layer of protection against cavity development. To be effective, you should continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly and have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every 6 months. For more information, and to find out if fluoride treatments are right for you, call Bijan Family Dental Practice at (714) 421-4494 today.
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