Fluoride Treatment
Welcome to Lakeland Family Dentistry in Flowood, MS, where our fantastic dentists proudly offer fluoride treatment for our patients seeking preventative care. Fluoride treatment is a pivotal component in dental health, offering a robust defense against tooth decay. This preventative measure strengthens the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acids produced by plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth.
If you have been looking for a dental office offering preventative services like in-office fluoride treatment, look no further than Lakeland Family Dentistry. With our exceptional team, you can get the care and protection your smile needs from everyday foods and drinks that can damage your teeth.
What is Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral found in soil, water (both fresh and saltwater), plants, rocks, and air. It’s a powerhouse for fighting tooth decay and promoting oral health. Our teeth are in a constant battle against acid. When acid, produced by plaque bacteria or sugary foods and drinks, meets the minerals in our enamel, demineralization begins, leaching essential minerals from the teeth. Fluoride serves as a cavalry of reinforcements, remineralizing the enamel and potentially reversing the early stages of tooth decay.
Who Should Get Fluoride Treatment?
- Adults: Fluoride treatments are not just for kids. Adult teeth may not be developing, but they are still susceptible to decay and loss of minerals. Those in their golden years who often deal with dry mouth due to medications and have shrinking enamel are prime candidates for the protective properties of fluoride treatments.
- Children: Fluoride is especially crucial for children as their teeth develop. Regular fluoride exposure can make adult teeth up to 25% more decay-resistant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even call it one of the ten most significant public health achievements of the 20th century.
- High-Risk For Tooth Decay: Some individuals are more likely to battle significant cavities. For high-risk populations, in-office fluoride treatments can significantly reduce the likelihood of tooth decay and the need for invasive dental work. It’s an investment in your dental health that can pay dividends in comfort, confidence, and cost savings.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
- Cavity Reducer: Fluoride is like a superhero for your teeth, swooping in to save the day by battling tooth decay. By strengthening your tooth enamel, fluoride helps fend off the sinister cavity-causing bacteria.
- Cost Effective: Investing in fluoride treatments is like putting money in a piggy bank that pays you back by reducing the need for dental repairs down the road. Fewer cavities mean fewer dentist visits, meaning more money stays in your wallet!
- Maintaining Your Smile: Even when you can’t see them, early cavities might lurk, but fluoride has a trick up its sleeve. It can help repair the early stages of tooth decay before it becomes a big, painful problem.
- Protection: Fluoride doesn’t just defend your teeth by making them stronger; it also goes on the offensive against the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease, helping to keep your mouth clean and your smile bright.
- Sensitive Teeth: For those who wince at the thought of a cold drink, fluoride can help reduce tooth sensitivity, turning the dread of icy beverages into an enjoyable experience.
Fluoride Treatment Process
Contrary to the swift swish and spit of fluoride in toothpaste, in-office treatments involve a more concentrated approach. After a professional dental cleaning, the fluoride varnish, gel, or foam is brushed onto your teeth, left to sit for a few minutes, and then spat out or wiped away, depending on the patient’s age.
Fluoride Treatment Aftercare
After your treatment, you might be advised to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes, allowing the fluoride to work its magic. To strengthen that protection, you can resume your regular eating habits and maintain your oral care routine, replete with fluoride toothpaste.
Fluoride Treatment in Flowood, MS
In Flowood, MS, fluoride treatment can be vital in maintaining optimal dental health for you and your family. With its proven benefits in preventing tooth decay and strengthening enamel, fluoride treatment offers a proactive approach to dental care. Whether you’re seeking preventive measures or addressing specific concerns, consulting with our trusted dental professionals, Dr. David Henry, Dr. Stephen Greer, and Dr. Chris Carlton, in Flowood can guide you toward the best course of action tailored to your needs.
Please schedule your next appointment with us and ask about fluoride treatment today!