Fluoride Treatment
What’s Important To Know About Fluoride Treatment?
Watch this video by a dedicated Buffalo pediatric dentist to learn about fluoride treatment and why it’s important for your teeth. If you have questions, or would like to schedule your first dental appointment, please contact us today.
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs often in nature, and we have found that fluoride strengthens the enamel on the surface of the teeth. The substance replaces the calcium ions in the enamel and thus hardens the enamel crystal. Fluoride treatment is important, especially as children’s permanent teeth develop. We also use fluoride treatment in adults because, as people age, gums recede and expose the roots of the teeth. Root surfaces are not covered by enamel and they decay much more easily, and the fluoride also strengthens that part of the tooth structure. Fluoride also reduces hypersensitivity, and with receding gums exposing root surfaces, fluoride will help to diminish that sensitivity that the patient experiences.
Fluoride is available in many ways. Our office uses both fluoride varnishes and foam fluoride, the latter of which is placed in a tray that the patient briefly wears following a tooth cleaning. We also offer take-home, prescription fluoride toothpastes for when children have braces or when adults have a lot of decay. This fluoride toothpaste also aids in staving off sensitivity from receding gums, gum surgery, and procedures that expose the root surfaces of the teeth. We strongly recommend that children receive fluoride treatment, as the treatment strengthens the enamel and make the teeth more resistant to decay.
Fluoride is safe for the patient as long as it is properly used and administered. We never prescribe excessive fluoride, as too high a fluoride intake can cause damage to the teeth.
Do you think a fluoride treatment could improve your smile? Contact our Buffalo pediatric dentist today, to schedule a consultation. We have been in private practice serving Buffalo and the Southtowns community in Buffalo for nearly 40 years, and welcome the opportunity to put a smile on your face.