Fluoride has long been a pretty controversial issue in dentistry. The research speaks for itself. The Centers for Disease Control says that drinking fluoridated water can help reduce cavities by as much as 25 percent!
We need strong and healthy teeth for beautiful and bright smiles. Fluoride therapy can be very useful in improving the strength of the enamel. It can also help address issues such as tooth decay and tooth sensitivity. Young children can also benefit from oral fluoride therapy as their teeth develop and they are more prone to cavities.
Why Fluoride?
Fluoridated toothpaste was introduced around 1914 to help address tooth decay. Fluoride, as a mineral compound, can easily bind to the tooth enamel. Once binded to porous tooth enamel, it displaces the weak hydroxyl molecules of the enamel. Thus, fluoride toothpaste keeps the teeth in a healthy condition despite the constant threat of acidic plaque from oral bacteria. Fluoride, whether in tubes of toothpaste or as fluoride treatments, does a good job of preventing the weakening and subsequent damage of the tooth enamel.
Who Needs Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride treatments can prove very useful in a lot of situations. For instance, anyone, young or old, who is frequently experiencing tooth decay can find fluoride therapy useful in boosting their oral health. Even healthy children and older adults can benefit from preventive fluoride treatments. The same applies to people with tooth sensitivity who may have to undergo treatment during dental checkups. Fluoride treatments can also be recommended after teeth-whitening procedures to keep tooth sensitivity at bay.
Young children whose teeth are still developing benefit most from fluoride treatments, especially when they are unable to get enough fluoride from water and dietary sources. Even after the development of teeth, fluoride treatments integrated into the biannual dental checkups for oral health maintenance are almost always a great idea.
Do you think you need a fluoride treatment? You can schedule a visit or contact Dr. Norman and the Dream Smile team at 425-366-8246 for other helpful information about your oral health.
