Improve the Health of Your Teeth with Fluoride Treatments
Neal Edwards DDS offers fluoride treatments in Riverside, California, for patients at risk of cavities and tooth decay. While fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in water and foods, these sources may not be enough to make your teeth decay-resistant. Dr. Neal Edwards recommends fluoride treatments to restore essential minerals to your teeth to save them from cavities.
How fluoride works
As we eat and drink foods, plaque may form when the bacteria in our mouth interact with the starches from food. Plaque contains bacteria that secrete acidic substances that can erode your enamel. Tooth decay starts as minor caries that later develop into cavities.
Our teeth have an amazing ability to repair minor tooth decay through remineralization. Enamel crystals deposit on the damaged areas through remineralization to reverse tooth decay. Amazingly, fluoride helps with the remineralization process by making the enamel crystals grow bigger and faster. Increasing fluoride intake is simply helping your body’s natural processes to keep your teeth healthy. While you can get fluoride from water and foods, this may not be sufficient, hence the need for professional fluoride treatment.
What to expect from fluoride treatment
This process is painless and fast, similar to dental sealant treatment. Though the process may differ from dentist to dentist, here is what you can expect:
- Applying fluoride: There are several ways to apply fluoride to your decay-prone teeth. The dentist can use a cotton swab or a small brush to apply fluoride to your teeth. Alternatively, you can rinse your mouth with fluoride gel or wear a pre-filled tray over your teeth for a few minutes
- Wait for absorption to happen: After fluoride application, we ask our patients to refrain from eating or drinking for about 30 minutes until their teeth absorb the fluoride
We recommend fluoride treatments during your bi-annual dental appointments. However, you can use toothpaste or mouthwash rich in fluoride between your visits. Also, remember fluoride treatment isn’t a substitute for your daily oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Fluoride treatment near me
Would you like to decay-proof your teeth with fluoride treatment?
Please dial (951) 614-0033 to schedule an appointment with Neal Edwards DDS. We are located in Riverside, CA but serve the surrounding cities of Corona, Lomo, Linda, Norco, and Moreno Valley, CA.
