Fluoride is commonly used in general dentistry to reduce the risk of tooth decay and strengthen enamel that is weakened from acidic attacks that can occur when food particles and bacteria combine in the mouth. This article discusses how and when a general dentist might recommend fluoride for patients.
Fluoride can be used for preventive purposes or to restore weakened enamel. Patients can get the fluoride they need daily by choosing fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash, and dentists may provide a stronger fluoride solution in certain instances. The following is a more in-depth review of fluoride in general dentistry:
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is most commonly used to help strengthen the bonds of tooth enamel. Enamel, the outermost visible layer of teeth, is incredibly strong, but it can wear down and erode when exposed to acidic reactions caused by bacteria. Dentists use fluoride because it is generally safe and natural and can prevent oral health concerns such as dental cavities.
As mentioned, the purpose of fluoride is to strengthen tooth enamel. Consequently, the risk of not implementing fluoride into your daily oral care routine is a higher chance of developing cavities. If weakened enamel is left untreated, cavities could form, leading to the need for more invasive treatments such as dental fillings, and dental crown placement.
A general dentist may recommend fluoride to help keep the enamel as strong as possible. More commonly, they provide fluoride treatments to patients that are dealing with weakened enamel. The signs of weakened enamel include discoloration of teeth and increased sensitivity. General dentists also recommend that patients implement a healthy level of fluoride into their daily routine via fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash.
Fluoride cannot treat cavities that have already formed. When enamel erodes, the effects cannot be reversed naturally. Instead, a dental filling or other extensive procedures may be necessary. Consequently, fluoride is used primarily for preventive purposes and to strengthen enamel that is only weakened and not eroded.
The good news is fluoride is easy to use at home during your oral care routine. Talk to your general dentist about what toothpaste and mouthwash they recommend to get a healthy level of fluoride daily. Keep in mind, fluoride is often present in drinking water as well, so you may be getting fluoride daily and not even realize it.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Johns Creek, GA
If you have questions about fluoride or would like to schedule a visit with our general dentistry team for a cleaning and check-up, call us or send us a message today. We take pride in helping our patients keep healthy and strong enamel that is free of decay.
Request an appointment or call Johns Creek Dentistry at 770-623-1427 for an appointment in our Johns Creek office.
A general dentistry clinic can provide treatments for a knocked-out tooth. This type of dental injury often happens because of a strong impact on the face. It can be from a fight, a vehicular accident, or a sports injury. If you want to know if a general dentistry clinic can restore your dislodged or knocked-out…
General dentistry treatments are available to restore the function and appearance of your teeth, depending on the severity of the tooth damage. The dentist will examine the cracked tooth and design a suitable treatment plan.The following are common treatments in general dentistry for repairing a damaged or fractured tooth:Dental bonding is often done to fix…
General dentistry practitioners know that loose teeth in youngsters are common and cause little worry since the problem is with the "baby teeth." If you have a loose tooth or one of your children has a loose adult tooth, you may need to visit the general dentistry office to save it. Continue reading to discover…
You might need emergency dentistry if you have a tooth infection. Emergency dentistry can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with tooth infections. Emergency dentistry can also help to prevent the spread of tooth infections.Tooth infections occur when there is an infection in the tooth's pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains…
Emergency dentistry can provide dental care during unexpected dental crises. Unfortunately, not all dentists can provide care at any time. That is why some people try to restore their own dental health at home. But the healthiest way to resolve a dental problem is to seek professional care.If patients want to know why they should…