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Regular fluoride use should be a routine part of caring for your teeth and oral hygiene. You should add good brushing and flossing habits to the general dentistry treatments and checkups at Parkcrest Dental Group. You should also use some form of fluoride treatment to help ensure that teeth are at their strongest.
Fluoride naturally occurs in many water sources around the world. It is a mineral that can repair the beginning stages of decay and prevent cavities from forming. Fluoride makes teeth stronger and more resistant to acids that weaken tooth enamel.
Contrary to what a small vocal sect of the population believe, fluoride strengthens your teeth and protects you. We consider fluoride an important part of general dentistry because it works as a preventative measure. General dentistry doesn’t begin and end at the Parkcrest Dental Group office. General dentistry starts with you, and there are some things you can do with fluoride to protect your teeth before you enter our office and after you leave.
• Systemic fluoride
The fluoride you ingest from either the water system or as a dietary supplement is considered systemic fluoride. For most people, fluoride in the water stream nicely supplements our general dentistry. You can only receive dietary fluoride supplements if a doctor prescribes them. These supplements often come in lozenge, drop, or tablet form.
• Topical Fluoride
We use topical fluoride as a common preventative to cavities and decay. Your general dentistry professional may apply it to your teeth when you visit Parkcrest Dental Group. You may also find topical fluoride in popular toothpaste and mouthwash.
Professional fluoride applications are extremely simple. After the application, your dentist in Springfield, MO, may ask you not to eat or drink for a short period of time. This allows your teeth to get the most benefit from the treatment. You dentist might also prescribe a special fluoride toothpaste, gel, or mouthwash. You can use these oral hygiene products at home to continue strengthening your teeth on a daily basis. Like we said, general dentistry starts with you!
Whether you choose a fluoridated toothpaste, mouthwash, or other forms of fluoride treatment, you must ensure American Dental Association approved the product. You should only use oral hygiene products tested for quality and safety by the ADA. Proper use of fluoride can help your teeth stay strong and healthy for a lifetime of great smiles.
