How Fluoride Is Used in General Dentistry

How Fluoride Is Used in General Dentistry from South Florida Dentistry in Miami, FLCurious about whether fluoride is important to your oral health? Read on to learn more about how fluoride is used in general dentistry. Fluoride plays an important role in the prevention of cavities, and it can be a safe component of one's daily oral care routine.

The purpose of fluoride in general dentistry

Fluoride can seem intimidating when first hearing about it, but it is actually a naturally occurring mineral. In fact, many cities add fluoride into the public drinking water due to the safety of the mineral and the oral health benefits it provides. The following is an overview of how general dentistry can utilize fluoride and the benefits it can offer:

Fluoride strengthens weakened enamel

The primary purpose of fluoride in general dentistry is to strengthen the bonds of teeth enamel. This makes teeth more resistant to attacks from acids in the mouth, which can result when bacteria and food compounds (such as sugar) combine. Fluoride is most often used for preventive purposes. However, if the enamel is weakened, then fluoride may be prescribed to strengthen and remineralize the enamel.

Fluoride is easy to implement into your daily oral care routine

Another reason dentists are so fond of fluoride use is that it is easy and safe for people to implement into their daily oral care routine. It can be added to antibacterial mouthwash that is used daily or in toothpaste. As mentioned, even some public water drinking supplies contain fluoride.

General dentists can provide special fluoride treatments when necessary

Individuals that have healthy teeth can get the recommended amount of fluoride each day by simply choosing a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. However, patients that have weakened enamel and are more vulnerable to tooth decay if not promptly treated may need additional fluoride each day, in which case the general dentist may provide a special fluoride treatment to use once or twice per day.

Fluoride vs. alternative treatments

Fluoride is used either to prevent weakened enamel or strengthen enamel to prevent cavities. However, it cannot treat cavities, which occur when the enamel wears away and tiny holes form on teeth. In this case, the patient may need a dental filling or root canal therapy to restore the appearance and health of the tooth.

The ideal candidate for fluoride treatment

Fluoride is safe for most people to use daily as long as it is in the appropriate amounts. People that have worn-down or damaged enamel caused by bacterial attacks may be ideal candidates for fluoride mouthwash that is prescribed by a general dentist specifically for the purpose of strengthening the enamel.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Miami, FL

Ready to schedule an appointment?

Here at our general dentistry practice, we help our patients strengthen their teeth and gums through preventive and restorative treatments. We also assist our patients in crafting an at-home daily regimen to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Call or message us today to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment or call South Florida Dentistry at 305-203-4097 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Related Posts

How General Dentistry Can Prevent And Treat Cavities

General dentistry focuses on preventing issues like tooth decay and gum disease. It also includes performing treatments to help fix and repair damaged teeth.A cavity is a tiny opening that develops on teeth due to acids made by oral bacteria demineralizing them. Cavities cannot resolve themselves. Dentists treat them by removing decayed material from the…

General Dentistry: Can Cavities Be Reversed?

The benefits that general dentistry offices provide can benefit your oral health now and in the future. Even if you do not have any problems with your teeth or gums, regular visits are crucial. One of the biggest issues that dentists see and treat is tooth decay. Cavities can be painful and can eventually destroy…

A Guide To General Dentistry Services

General dentistry encompasses a wide range of dental operations with the primary objective of preserving your natural teeth. Since the general dentist is your first line of defense against potential oral health problems, it is essential to go for a dental appointment at least twice yearly.The following are common general dentistry services:When the tooth pulp…

¡Español - Aqui!