Known as a natural mineral, fluoride prevents cavities and builds strong teeth. It’s important because it fights off damaging bacteria and supports healthy enamel or the visible, outermost layer of your teeth. While fluoride is a good option for everyone, it’s particularly vital if you’re at risk for cavities because of your age or a certain health condition.
Why Fluoride is Effective
Even though your teeth are fairly strong, they can weaken. Starchy or sugary foods, for example, may leave food particles behind and lead to acid attacks. Acid attacks can weaken your enamel and result in cavities. Fluoride has the power to remineralize your teeth and restore calcium, phosphate, and other minerals. This can reverse demineralization and strengthen your teeth.
How Fluoride Treatments Work
You can get a fluoride treatment in our office, after a routine exam and cleaning. While you can purchase fluoride toothpaste and drink water with fluoride, our treatments contain much more fluoride and are therefore more effective. We’ll apply a highly concentrated fluoride to your teeth. Once we do, we’ll ask you to wait at least a half hour before you eat or drink. This way the fluoride can completely absorb into your enamel.
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, we suggest that you wait a few hours before you make a cup of joe or go through the Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts drive thru for your morning or afternoon coffee. You should also avoid hot cocoa, tea, soup, and other hot liquids. Fortunately, fluoride treatments come with minimal to no side effects, making it a great, low-risk addition to your oral healthcare plan.
Contact River Run Dental Spa
If you have any questions about our fluoride treatment or would like to schedule an appointment, we encourage you to contact us today at (804) 419-4211 We look forward to hearing from you!