Fluoride treatments at Revelstoke Dental Centre are great for extra protection for your teeth from cavities and dental decay.
The Benefits of Fluoride Treatment in Your Oral Hygiene RoutineTooth decay is caused by acid-producing bacteria that collect around the teeth and gums in a sticky, clear film called “plaque.” Without good daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits, teeth become more vulnerable to decay. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss or another type of interdental cleaner can help remove plaque. Regular dental examinations and cleanings also are important for keeping teeth healthy. Another key to good oral health is fluoride, a mineral that helps prevent cavities and can repair teeth in the very early, microscopic stages of the disease. |
Fluoride treatment helps harden tooth enamel and make it more resistant to tooth decay.
A small cavity can be stopped and even reversed by the remineralization process enhanced by fluoride.
Fluoride can be delivered to the teeth in 2 ways: topically (direct contact on the teeth) and systemically (enters the blood stream).
Systemic fluorides are delivered to the tooth surface via the bloodstream. Systemic fluorides can be derived from a food source, water source, or dietary supplements (tablet, lozenge, drop). Fluoridated water is an effective way to reduce the incidence of dental decay.
Children from birth to 14 years of age will especially benefit from systemic fluorides. This is because when fluoride is ingested, it circulates through the bloodstream and into developing teeth. The fluoride is then built into the enamel structure of the developing tooth, making the tooth more resistant to acids.
Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth enamel. This includes fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses.