Fluoride Supplements and Treatments

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in food and water sources. It can also be found in some oral care products. This mineral has an important role in helping teeth develop strong enamel and in preventing tooth decay. Fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash can be great for preventing cavities, but there are times when additional treatments or supplements may be needed to get the maximum benefits.

When Is It Necessary?

A patient’s need for fluoride supplements and treatments is determined by their oral health, as well as other factors. It’s important to know that both children and adults can benefit from fluoride treatment. It’s recommended, most especially for patients who are at a high risk of cavities or tooth decay. This is why dentistry experts usually recommend fluoride treatments for children after they get their first tooth. It’s also recommended for patients of all ages with special circumstances, such as braces, gum disease, dry mouth, and diabetes.

For patients who have deep grooves in their teeth called pits and fissures, it’s especially important to have fluoride applications because those areas are more difficult to clean. These areas provide a place for bacteria to hide and grow. This can cause cavities to form in these areas. By using a professional fluoride application, you can reduce the growth of bacteria and reduce the risk of cavities forming.

What Types of Fluoride Treatments Exist?

The most common forms of fluoride treatments are professional in-office treatments that are performed by a dentist or dental hygienist and at-home topical fluorides. In-office treatments are highly concentrated formulas of fluoride that are applied to the teeth to help prevent cavities and reverse tooth decay. These types of treatments are the best and most effective when done by a professional because the dentist is trained to properly apply and monitor the treatment to ensure that it is safe for the patients. Additionally, dentists can also prescribe at-home and over-the-counter products for patients to use as well. These products include mouthwashes and rinses, gels, foams, and varnishes that can be applied at home.

If using over-the-counter fluoride treatments, it is important to always check with your dentist first to ensure that the product is safe for you to use. Your dentist will also be able to walk you through how to use the product safely and effectively. If the product is not safe for use due to any pre-existing conditions you might have, they will be able to recommend other products that will help prevent and treat your dental health conditions.

What Are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatments?

Whether using topical fluoride or in-office fluoride treatments, patients enjoy a number of benefits when it comes to strengthening their smiles. A dentist may recommend professional products for at-home use, which help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay and cavities. In turn, this results in less restorative work for patients in the dentist’s chair, as well as comfortable smiles! Some patients may even benefit from prescription-strength toothpaste, gels, or mouthwashes that can reduce sensitivity caused by cold beverages or foods. Ultimately, these supplements can work towards protecting teeth from bacteria that can cause acidic erosion, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Additionally, a dentist may recommend in-office fluoride treatments for patients who may be especially prone to cavities or who have weak enamel, as these products can penetrate the oral tissues to re-mineralize the teeth and protect against decay. 

Call us at 773-880-2310 or email us at office@sheffieldsquaredental.com to schedule your appointment. Visit Sheffield Square Dental Care at 2835 N. Sheffield Ave, Suite 305, Chicago, IL 60657.