Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally found mineral that’s in water and other things. It’s actually essential to building stronger teeth and preventing cavities. Many dental practices use this type of treatment, and Ivory Dental has done so for decades.

If you live in Albuquerque, you may want to consider regular fluoride treatments because they can support your tooth enamel. With that, it fights bacteria that could harm your teeth and gums.

We’ve found that fluoride is exceptionally helpful for those who are at a higher risk of developing cavities. They occur when bacteria build up onto your teeth and gums to form plaque. This sticky layer produces more acid, which erodes your teeth and gum tissue.

With time, it can break down the tooth’s enamel, which lets bacteria get inside and infect the nerves and blood at the root of your tooth. However, fluoride can prevent this issue and is an easy treatment.

What Happens During Your Fluoride Treatment?

We use professional-grade fluoride treatments at our office. Sometimes, it comes as a rinse that you can use as a mouthwash. However, we can also offer foam or gel that is brushed/swabbed onto your teeth. Many times, we like to put the gel into a tray and let you wear it on the teeth for a short time.

Typically, these treatments have more fluoride in them than what you can get from your natural water supply or a toothpaste. Therefore, you only have to wear them on the teeth for a minute or so. With that, you shouldn’t drink or eat anything for about 30 minutes after we provide the treatment. That way, the fluoride gets absorbed fully into your teeth.

Since we know how difficult it is not to do something you want to do, we often give you a drink of water before beginning the treatment. That way, you aren’t thirsty for the next half an hour!

How Much Fluoride Do You Need?

Generally, the ADA recommends that people receive fluoride treatments from their dentist every 12, three, or six months, depending on their specific needs.

Therefore, we take your medical history to help us determine what’s required based on your overall and oral health. For instance, if you don’t brush your teeth regularly, you’re at risk of getting a cavity. Therefore, you might want to receive a fluoride treatment at three-month intervals.

We can prescribe a rinse or gel that you use at home, which ensures that you’re not stopping by the office multiple times a year.

There are many reasons why you might be at an increased risk of cavity development. These can include:

• Poor diet
• Weakened tooth enamel
• No professional dental care
• Dry mouth
• Eating disorders
• Poor oral hygiene
• Using drugs or alcohol excessively.

It’s also possible to get fluoride from your regular diet. Beverages and food that contain fluoride include:

• Baby formula
• Food cooked in water
• Fish (with the bones)
• Tea
• Water

Why Ivory Dental Uses the Mayo Clinic Recommendations?

At Ivory Dental, we typically go with the recommendations laid out by the Mayo Clinic to find out how much fluoride you need. With this agency’s information, we recommend a daily fluoride amount of:

• 0.1 to 1.5 mg for babies and children up to 3 years old
• 1 to 2.5 mg for those aged 4 to 6
• 1.5 to 2.5 mg for those aged 7 to 10
• 1.5 to 4 mg for adults and teenagers

Many times, adults and children don’t receive the recommended doses of fluoride from diet or toothpaste. Therefore, you might require a fluoride treatment every time you visit the dentist.

What Are the Advantages of Using Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride is there to restore the minerals from bacteria that erode the tooth surface. This mineral can even prevent bacteria from growing or coming back, preventing future problems with cavities.

However, fluoride itself can’t remove decay. It only works by creating a stronger surface so that decay cannot happen. That way, the bacteria doesn’t penetrate deep into your tooth to cause significant pain and problems.

Adults can benefit from fluoride treatments! While children must be exposed to this mineral early in life to prevent cavities, you can, too. Trace amounts are often found in drinking water, but that’s not enough. Regular fluoride treatments can protect everyone’s teeth!

Those with cavities might require fillings and other treatments before fluoride is provided. That way, the teeth are as strong as possible first.

The Side Effects

As with any medication, there could be some negative effects if you receive too much fluoride. In fact, many people accidentally overdose because they drink beverages with it and eat a variety of foods with fluoride. If you do so and then receive a dose of fluoride treatment that’s too high, there could be minor issues.

However, we want you to know that fluoride poisoning is quite rare. Most toothpastes for children don’t offer it. Still, if you do have more fluoride in your system than recommended, it could cause:

• Bone homeostasis problems
• Brittle, dense bones that aren’t very strong
• Staining or pitting of the teeth
• White specks on the permanent teeth

If you take too many fluoride supplements accidentally, such as gels, mouthwashes, pills, etc., it could cause:

• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Excessive sweating
• Death

It’s best to talk to us about all of the items you use that might contain fluoride. That way, we know exactly how much to give you at the office. You should also keep at-home fluoride treatments out of the reach of children.

Fluoride Toothpastes

You should always brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque from the teeth and gums. Flossing can also help reach the gunk that your toothbrush can’t find.

With brushing, you have movement and friction, which are crucial. While you may brush only with water, a fluoride toothpaste enhances the benefits of brushing.

Fluoride is found in most water sources, but you can add drops to your tap water. Since many people use bottled water, they don’t have the benefit of fluoride.

We think it’s ideal to get fluoride from dietary supplements and water, but you should also use fluoride toothpaste and dental treatments. That way, you get the best of both worlds and can protect your teeth from harmful bacteria.

Ask About Fluoride Treatments at Your Next Visit to Ivory Dental

It is incredibly easy to brush your teeth, and it offers many advantages. If you pair that with flossing, you are on your way to having a healthy mouth.

However, it’s still important to visit your local dentist twice a year for professional cleanings. During that time, we might recommend a fluoride treatment. You can say no, but it’s in your best interest to have it done.

There are various ways to get the fluoride your teeth need to stay strong and fight cavities. Plus, we can prescribe some methods that you can use at home. That way, you’re not visiting Ivory Dental multiple times per year.

We are here to help Albuquerque residents find the right solution to protect their teeth from bacteria and cavities.