Fluoride is confusing these days. Some believe it is only for children. Some think they don’t need it when they have all their adult teeth. Others have even begun to wonder if it is necessary at all, even when considering options like fluoride treatment in Sherman Oaks.
We often get asked these questions, and we love it. It’s important to be informed about the benefits of fluoride, and when it is really needed, if you want to make the right choices about your oral health care. So let’s explain it to you.
What Fluoride Does for Your Teeth
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. And when it makes contact with your enamel, it helps strengthen areas that have been damaged through remineralization. It also makes it more resistant to the acid produced by bacteria from eating and drinking.
Here’s what happens: after you eat sugar or acid, the acid produced by the bacteria in your mouth slowly dissolves your enamel. Fluoride helps repair this damage, preventing cavities.
This is the basis for why fluoride treatment in Sherman Oaks is still recommended today.
Who Should Have Fluoride Treatment?
Everyone doesn’t need fluoride from the dentist. And this is the simple fact. But there are certain circumstances where it is helpful.
- The most common are kids and teens. Their tooth enamel is still forming and more susceptible to cavities. Fluoride treatment in Sherman Oaks during these years will help prevent cavities.
- They’re also good for adults at risk of cavities. If you have received several fillings over the past few years, you probably have such conditions as dry mouth, gum recession or a high sugar diet that continually place your dental enamel at risk.
- Another key group is people with dry mouth. Saliva helps to cleanse and neutralise bacteria. With reduced saliva flow, as from medication side effects, medical conditions, or therapy, the risk for tooth decay increases. Sherman Oaks fluoride treatment helps make up the difference.
- Those with exposed roots are also good candidates. As gums pull back, the softer root of the tooth is exposed. This part of the tooth does not have enamel and is therefore more susceptible to decay. Fluoride helps protect it.
Fluoride Treatments We Offer at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we don’t believe in a “one shoe fits all” approach. We will assess your risk factors and recommend a treatment.
We often use fluoride varnish, a highly concentrated fluoride that is applied to your teeth. Fluoride varnish dries fast, is safe and allows for the fluoride to be applied directly where it is needed. It takes only a few minutes and can be done in conjunction with your scheduled cleaning.
We may suggest more regular applications or other preventive measures, in addition to fluoride treatment in Sherman Oaks, for high-risk patients.
What About Fluoride Toothpaste? Is That Enough?
For some adults with low risk of tooth decay, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is enough. We certainly wouldn’t recommend professional treatment for the sake of providing a service.
But the lower concentration of fluoride in toothpaste may not be as effective. If you are in a group at higher risk, this may not be sufficient to prevent decay.
We will never be anything but honest. If we recommend Sherman Oaks fluoride treatment, it is because it’s indicated for your case, not as a default.
Fluoride as Part of a Preventive Practice
We strive to prevent more serious issues in the future at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks. By spending a little now on fluoride treatment in Sherman Oaks, you can save yourself from needing complex fillings, crowns and other treatments.
We think prevention is good for you, and good for us. It saves time, money, and pain. And it helps your smile stay healthier, longer.
We keep up with the research and guidelines to ensure we’re making recommendations based on science, not tradition.
How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatment?
This depends on your individual risk level. It may be sufficient for low-risk adults to have them annually. For higher-risk patients, we usually recommend fluoride treatment in Sherman Oaks every three or six months.
We’ll tailor a preventive plan to suit your needs, your life and your oral health history. No plan is carved in stone; it can be adjusted as needed.
Conclusion
Fluoride isn’t old, and it isn’t only for children. When applied properly, and when needed, fluoride treatment in Sherman Oaks is one of the most cost-effective preventive dental therapies.
We are proud to provide our patients with expert, tailored advice. We don’t recommend something you don’t need, and we don’t omit something you do.
If you are confused as to whether you should or shouldn’t use fluoride, let’s look at it together. We are available to explain, evaluate and create a plan that works for you. After all, good oral health is about avoiding cavities as well as treating them.