Fluoride is a natural mineral that keeps tooth decay from forming. At Lovett Dental Corpus Christi, we provide fluoride treatments so that you and your family can avoid getting cavities for as long as possible.
How Fluoride Treatments Fight Cavities
Tooth enamel makes up the outer layer of your teeth. The substances in tooth enamel are tougher than bone. These substances keep teeth strong. Some foods that you eat, especially those containing sugar, combine with plaque bacteria in the mouth to form acids that can cause some of your tooth enamel to wear away. This invites tooth decay to set in.
Your teeth can absorb fluoride from different sources to keep tooth enamel strong in the fight against cavities. In fact, studies show that fluoride prevents cavities by 25% in children and adults.
Fluoride Treatments: Ways to Get Fluoride Protection
More than 74% of Americans receive fluoride through their community’s tap water services. But that still places many children and adults living in areas with no fluoridated water supplies at risk for tooth decay.
If you don’t live in a town that provides fluoridated tap water to your home, there are other ways to get some of the fluoride protection you need to keep your tooth enamel strong. Also keep in mind that if you only drink bottled water, it may not contain fluoride, even if your community supply does.
The usual sources of fluoride most people use to protect their teeth include:
- Fluoridated tap water, if available
- Toothpaste that contains fluoride
- Over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinses
- Prescription fluoride supplements
- Fluoride treatments from a dental professional
Fluoride Treatments at Lovett Dental Corpus Christi
Our general dentistry practice provides patients with professional-grade fluoride treatments. You can choose to take fluoride supplements that we prescribe or opt for in-office treatment applications to your teeth.
We often prescribe supplements for youngsters who need extra fluoride for their oral health. These are for children who are between six months and 16 years old when fluoride intake is very important. A child’s primary and permanent teeth are forming and breaking through the gums at these stages of life. It is critical that the minerals and enamel remain strong and healthy to avoid early signs of decay.
These fluoride supplements come in different forms, including drops, pills, and lozenges. Consult with our Lovett Dental Corpus Christi pediatric dentist for more information about this type of preventive care.
The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments for Adults
Once your permanent teeth are in, older teens and adults can also gain much from fluoride treatments. After all, many of us eat foods containing sugars that mix with bacteria in the mouth. This ends up eroding the minerals in our teeth, causing cavities and decay.
Even for adults, adding fluoride helps return minerals that you lose from your teeth due to bacteria acids. Some adults are at a greater risk for tooth decay because of certain conditions they may have. Extra fluoride may help people who have dry mouth, gum disease, and a history of frequent cavities. Extra fluoride can also help those who have crowns, bridges, or braces.
Other Types of Fluoride Treatments
Aside from prescribing fluoride supplements for children who need it, our Lovett Dental team of professionals can also provide fluoride treatments to adults. These topical treatments come in different forms, such as gels, solutions, foams, varnishes, or daily fluoride prescriptions for home.
You can apply these topical treatments using a brush or swab. More often, though, you can place them in a tray that you hold in your mouth for a few moments while sitting in the dentist’s office.
Lovett Dental Corpus Christi for All Your Dental Needs
If you are looking for a new dentist, Lovett Dental Corpus Christi’s other services include:
Call Lovett Dental Corpus Christi today at 361-986-1117 to schedule your appointment for a fluoride treatment or other dental needs.