Fluoride Treatments in Auburn Hills, MI
Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems that affect people of all ages. While getting a cavity or two may not seem like a big deal, especially for children who haven’t yet received permanent teeth, tooth decay can quickly lead to more serious dental issues, including tooth loss. For this reason, it’s important to prevent tooth decay from occurring in the first place.
Along with brushing and flossing daily, fluoride treatments can help protect your teeth from developing cavities. Before scheduling your next routine dental checkup at Pristine Dental Care, here’s what you need to know about how a fluoride treatment could benefit you.
What is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in drinking water and many foods. For the past five decades, fluoride has been widely accepted as an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. This is because it is effective at strengthening tooth enamel and providing a defense against the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.
Fluoride teeth treatments are a quick, non-invasive, and pain-free preventative procedure that is performed by your dentist. It can be administered in various ways, including as a rinse, gel, foam, or varnish. Likewise, it can be applied using a brush, tray, mouthwash, or swab. While fluoride can be found in your water, food, and toothpaste, professional fluoride treatments contain a much more concentrated amount.
Fluoride can benefit anyone, but it’s particularly beneficial for individuals who are more likely to develop cavities, including children who are still learning how to clean their teeth properly. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people undergo professional fluoride treatments every three, six, or twelve months depending on the needs of their mouth and what their dentist recommends.
What Are the Side Effects of Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride varnish treatment is considered safe when administered in a dental office. In addition to only using a small amount of fluoride, which means that hardly any will be swallowed, the amount that is used will dry and harden quickly. While this is true, it’s possible to experience certain side effects if too much fluoride is consumed, such as white specks on teeth.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Fluoride Treatment?
Generally speaking, professional fluoride treatments can benefit children and adults by helping protect their teeth from developing tooth decay between dental checkups. Fluoride treatments can be especially helpful for people who:
- Are young/still learning how to brush and floss
- Are disabled
- Have poor oral hygiene habits
- Have an eating disorder
- Don’t have access to professional dental care
- Take certain medications that cause dry mouth
The risks of experiencing a complication from oral fluoride treatment are quite small. However, it is still worth discussing your health history with your dentist before undergoing a fluoride treatment to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Protect Your Smile with a Fluoride Treatment in Auburn Hills, Michigan
Protecting the health of your smile shouldn’t be difficult. At Pristine Dental Care, we want to make keeping your teeth healthy and strong simple. That’s why we’re proud to provide preventative dental care to patients of all ages, including professional fluoride treatments. By applying fluoride to the surface of your teeth during your routine dental checkup, you’ll be well on your way to preventing tooth decay quickly, comfortably, and conveniently. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, now’s the perfect time to schedule your next appointment. Contact us today to see how easy caring for your teeth can be!
