Fluoride Treatment – Daytona Beach, FL

What is Fluoride?

Before your child’s teeth break through their gums, their body uses the fluoride they get through foods, beverages, and dietary supplements to make their enamel stronger, protecting their small teeth from decay. It’s a natural mineral that can be applied systemically and topically, so either by swallowing it or applying it directly to our teeth. It’s found in most tap water, dietary supplements, toothpaste, and mouth rinses.

The Benefits of Fluoride

Fluoride works to restore the minerals in your tooth that have been eroded by acid produced by harmful oral bacteria. It can also prevent cavities by keeping these bacteria from accumulating and growing. While it can’t remove decay completely, it is able to keep it from making its way deeper into teeth.

Fluoride treatment from your dentist in Daytona Beach has benefits for both adults and children, although it’s typically a recommended solution for younger patients. Children who receive fluoride from their dentists are less likely to develop cavities. That’s why the American Dental Association and Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend having trace amounts of the mineral in drinking water.

Who Needs Fluoride Treatment?

At Lakeside Daytona Dentist, we often recommend fluoride treatment for children to help strengthen and protect their teeth from cavities. However, that doesn’t mean that adults can’t benefit from this preventive practice as well. People with certain conditions or who are at an increased risk of dental decay can benefit the most from fluoride, including ones who have:

• Dry mouth
• Gum disease
• A history of frequent cavities
• Crowns, bridges, or braces

The best way to learn whether you or your child could benefit from additional fluoride intake is to ask one of our dental professionals during your next checkup and cleaning. We would be more than happy to also provide you with dental hygiene product recommendations that contain fluoride as well.

The Process of Getting a Fluoride Treatment

Receiving a professional fluoride treatment will only take a couple of minutes. Depending on your needs, we may administer it in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish, allowing us to easily apply it to your teeth using a swab or brush. Once we’ve applied it, you won’t be able to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes following your appointment. That way, your teeth have time to absorb the mineral and repair and decayed areas of your teeth.

Depending on your needs, we may recommend getting these done once or twice a year. If you’re at a higher risk of developing cavities and need additional fluoride intake, we may also prescribe a fluoride mouth rinse or gel.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can protect your smile from decay and keep it looking beautiful and healthy for years to come, don’t hesitate to ask us during your next routine checkup and cleaning. Our team is always here to help answer any of your questions to provide you with the knowledge you need to maintain a stellar smile!