What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that is important for your dental health. It helps keep the enamel of your teeth strong to help prevent tooth decay.

Naturally, occurring fluoride can be found in:

• crab
• grapes
• raw fruits
• black tea
• coffee
• municipal water supplies/drinking water

In some cases, you may not get enough fluoride in your diet, or your local water source may not contain sodium fluoride, so you may need to look into fluoride supplements.

Most people get enough fluoride through their water source, and in most municipalities, it is a law of public health for community water fluoridation. However, if you drink bottled water, beware because not all bottled water contains fluoride. To check to see if your local water source contains fluoride, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

However, there is a thing as too much fluoride as well, especially in childhood. Enamel fluorosis can occur when a person receives too much fluoride during the years of tooth development, and this causes defects in the tooth enamel. This can appear as white spots or streaks, brown stains, or “smoker’s lines” on the teeth. But, again, this is mainly due to fluoride ingested during the first eight years of life.

It is important to consult with your American Dental Association certified dentist to ensure your child is receiving the right amount of fluoride for their oral health.

Fluoride Treatments to Prevent Tooth Decay

Even though fluoride is most commonly found in local water sources, here are some different types of supplements to help ensure you or your child is getting enough fluoride.

Topical Fluoride

At our dental office of Dr. Renee Kurtz in Cheshire, CT, we use a particular type of topical fluoride that contains more fluoride than over-the-counter options. This is recommended for children who have a higher risk for cavities. In addition, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that young children receive this special fluoride treatment every six months to help prevent cavities and strengthen their enamel.

Fluoride Toothpaste

You can find fluoride toothpaste at your local store. If fluoride supplements are recommended for your child, please make sure they do not swallow too much toothpaste and consult with their pediatrician if this is the recommended fluoride treatment for your child.

Fluoride Mouth Rinse

If topical fluoride is not recommended, fluoride mouth rinses are another option. These are fluoride treatments that are typically used in children who have a higher risk for cavities.

Please always consult with your family dentist for fluoride treatment options specific to your child.

For more fluoride treatment information in Cheshire, CT, or to schedule an appointment with us, give us a call at 203-699-9705 today!

Why Is Fluoride Important for Tooth Enamel?

Your tooth enamel is the outer covering of your teeth and is stronger than bone. It is made of calcium and phosphate. Your saliva also contains calcium and phosphate, and these two together help keep your teeth strong. When you eat foods like candy or carbohydrates, this is transformed into acid, which will attack the enamel of your teeth. When the enamel is stripped from your teeth, it can leave you more vulnerable to tooth decay, and cavities can form.

Now, here is where fluoride comes in as the superhero to your oral health. When your saliva contains fluoride from the water you drink or foods that contain fluoride or toothpaste, your teeth will take in that fluoride. The fluoride will team up with the calcium and phosphate in your enamel to create a powerful defense system to help fight against cavities. Practicing good oral hygiene with fluoride included will help save your permanent teeth and give you a healthy smile for a lifetime.

What to Expect During a Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments are an easy process that we can add to any regular dental care appointment. The fluoride we use in our office in Cheshire is a varnish and will be applied with a brush. This process does not take long at all. We simply brush on the varnish onto the teeth and then have the patient spit out the rest. After the fluoride treatment is applied, we ask that you not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride.

The addition of fluoride treatment can help prevent tooth decay and cavities which can cause severe dental problems, including tooth loss. To help ensure you have good oral health, make sure to visit us for routine exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kurtz in Cheshire, CT, call us at 203-699-9705 or book an appointment here.