All about fluoride Treatment

Preventing tooth decay often means visiting the dentist regularly, brushing the teeth, and flossing each day. But what if there was another way to protect the smile from cavities? Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally occurring in the environment and can strengthen enamel when absorbed by the teeth. Because fluoride is so beneficial to the smile, dentists will recommend that patients use fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwashes to help protect the teeth from cavities. Additionally, fluoride is integrated into most city’s public water sources and can even be found naturally in foods like grapes and potatoes. For some patients, applying fluoride onto the teeth’s surfaces provides an extra barrier against tooth decay.

What is fluoride?

This mineral is naturally occurring in the environment and is proven to strengthen tooth enamel.

What is fluoride treatment?

Fluoride treatment is the application of fluoride onto the teeth as performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. By adding fluoride directly to the enamel, it can protect the smile from cavities.

Who needs fluoride?

Everyone needs fluoride, and in many instances, Dr. Anakarina DeAngelis will use fluoride on children to help protect their teeth. Children are often not nearly as thorough about brushing their teeth as their adult counterparts, which leaves their smiles more susceptible to problems like periodontal disease, infections, and tooth decay. However, adults can also benefit from fluoride treatments as well, performed right in the dental office after routine cleanings.

How much does fluoride treatment cost?

The cost of fluoride is often inexpensive when compared to the cost of repairing a tooth damaged by tooth decay. The team at DeAngelis Family Dentistry advises patients if they need fluoride applications, and the front office staff works with a patient’s dental insurance company to determine if the treatment application can be covered by their current benefits.

What to expect from fluoride treatment in Carlsbad, CA

Fluoride is applied to the teeth after cleanings and can be added to most routine visits. The fluoride used is a highly concentrated form administered as either a gel, varnish, foam, or rinse. When patients have fluoride applied at the dental office, they are advised not to eat, drink, or rinse the mouth for approximately 30 minutes to allow the teeth to thoroughly absorb the fluoride minerals for the most effective results. It takes just a few minutes and is an intelligent investment in the smile!

Do I still need to use toothpaste?

The use of toothpaste while brushing is part of any regular oral hygiene routine and should continue to be used. Patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to further protect their smile from decay and disease. Even with a fluoride treatment applied at the dental office, patients can still utilize fluoride toothpaste. This is entirely safe and is an effective way of achieving and maintaining oral health and wellness.

What products should I use after fluoride treatment in the office?

We encourage patients to ask our team about their brushing technique, products, or other questions regarding their smiles. We want patients to be educated on how to keep the smile beautiful, fully functioning, and healthy with the assistance of our dental team with routine visits to the practice.

Call our dentist in Carlsbad, CA to learn more about fluoride treatments

Patients ready to discuss the benefits of fluoride and fluoride applications are encouraged to talk to Dr. Anakarina DeAngelis about the options available to them. Her facility is located at 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite #105, and can be reached by phone at (760) 444-5507.