How Fluoride Fights Cavities

Less Tooth Decay & A Brighter Smile with Fluoride

You’ve probably heard that adding fluoride to your oral hygiene routine is essential to prevent tooth decay. If left untreated, cavities can result in root canals and tooth loss, so it’s important to take your dental health seriously and do everything you can to prevent tooth decay. Not only does maintaining great dental health boost your confidence, but it results in fewer trips to the dentist and reduced costs. Fluoride plays a major role in helping to fight off cavities and can keep your natural teeth healthy for a lifetime.

At Twin Aspen Dental Center, we not only provide comprehensive dental services to people of all ages, but we’re committed to educating our patients on good oral health. From family dentistry to cosmetic dentistry services, our professional team is fully equipped to address all your dental needs in Parker, CO, and the surrounding areas. Below, we’ve explained how fluoride is an important part of maintaining good dental health. Call us today to learn more!

How Does Fluoride Fight Cavities & Tooth Decay?

Fluoride is a common ingredient in several dental products, including mouthwash and toothpaste. It’s even in your tap water because it’s a naturally occurring element. Once it was found to reduce tooth decay and cavities, it became a marvel in the field of dentistry.

When researchers determined the benefits of fluoride, it was understood that the state of our oral health is directly related to the state of our overall health. Some of the ways fluoride fights cavities and prevents tooth decay include:

• Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel, which fights off cavities.
• It’s made up of calcium and phosphate, which can help keep your teeth strong.
• Fluoride joins with calcium and phosphate, forming a compound called fluorapatite, which can even reverse early-stage tooth decay.
• Fluoride makes it harder for bacteria to stick to your teeth, causing less tooth decay.

What Are Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments consist of a topical application of fluoride in a dental office intended to prevent cavities. Although we tend to think of pediatric dentistry when fluoride treatments are mentioned, they’re also beneficial for adults. Regardless of your oral health, dentists almost always recommend using toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride.

Fluoride treatments are common and can be done during your regular dental appointment. They typically only take a few minutes and require no downtime. Most dentists recommend that patients avoid eating or drinking for at least one hour following their fluoride treatment. The team of experts at Twin Aspen Dental Center can help you find a routine that is right for your individualized dental needs and concerns.

What Does a Fluoride Treatment Consist Of?

If you’ve never received a fluoride treatment before, we’ve listed a few things to keep in mind before, during, and after the treatment:

• Fluoride treatments usually only take a few seconds.
• The fluoride might come in the form of a gel or varnish.
• The fluoride is applied with a swab.
• Once the treatment is applied, refrain from eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic areas of decay.
• Discuss your individual fluoride needs with your dentist to see how often they recommend treatments.

Why Is Fluoride Controversial?

While fluoride is a huge leap for dentistry, too much of it can cause fluorosis, a condition in which levels of fluoride in the body have become too high and can cause permanent damage. However, fluorosis is relatively rare, and low levels of fluoride in tap water could be behind a decrease in tooth decay among dental patients.

Contact Twin Aspen Dental Center Today

Adding fluoride to your dental hygiene routine is a great way to prevent tooth decay and the formation of cavities. Fluoride is commonly found in most dental products, including toothpaste and mouthwash, and is also available in your dentist’s office with fluoride treatments. At Twin Aspen Dental Center, we understand preventative dental care is essential for good overall health. In addition to performing thorough cleanings, fluoride treatments, and providing exceptional care for patients of all ages, we’re committed to educating you on oral health.

We’re Parker’s top choice for comprehensive dental care, providing everything from complete family dental services to cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental services, and much more. Contact us today to learn more about fluoride treatments or schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!