How a Dentist Uses Fluoride to Protect Your Teeth

Dentists use fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. Numerous studies have shown that fluoride helps prevent tooth caries (cavities) even though conversations currently say fluoride may not be helpful. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA) all support fluoride’s role in reducing cavities in children and adults.

In this article, your Fuquay-Varina dentists at Hamby Family Dental Center discuss fluoride–what it is, how it helps prevent cavities, why communities add it to water, and professional dental treatments that can help prevent cavities.

What is Fluoride and How Does It Work?

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens the tooth’s hard outer surface. Your enamel gains and loses minerals each day. When acids that are formed from bacteria, plaque, and sugars in your mouth attack your enamel, you lose minerals. When you consume food and water that contain minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, you gain minerals (this is called remineralization). 

By replenishing lost minerals, fluoride remineralizes the outer layer of tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. Tooth decay is a result of too much demineralization without enough remineralization. Dental fluoride can slow down and reverse early tooth decay.

Water Fluoridation

In the U.S., most municipalities add fluoride to their water primarily for the prevention of tooth decay, which is a major public health issue. Studies have shown that living in communities with fluoridated water is associated with fewer decayed teeth in children and adults. One study in Australia found that adults exposed to fluoridated for at least 14 years had 11% – 12% lower rates of decayed, missing, or filled teeth compared to those with minimal fluoride exposure. The CDC has recognized community water fluoridation as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.

The Importance of Professional Fluoride Treatment

Even though fluoride is commonly found in toothpaste and mouth rinses, professional fluoride treatment is an essential aspect for individuals at higher risk of developing cavities. Dental professionals can apply a higher concentration of fluoride through gels, foams, or varnishes directly to your teeth during routine checkups. This concentrated fluoride treatment provides an extra layer of protection. During regular teeth cleaning and dental check-up appointments, you can discuss whether fluoride treatment is appropriate. 

Types of Fluoride Used in Dentistry

Dentists can apply fluoride to your teeth in the form of:

• Foam: Dispensed into a custom tray and placed over your teeth.
• Varnish: Painted directly on your teeth.
• Gel: Either painted on your teeth or dispensed in a custom tray.

Who Should Think About Professional Fluoride Treatment?

Certain groups of individuals may benefit more from professional fluoride treatments, including:

• Children with developing teeth.
• Individuals with a history of cavities or gum disease.
• Patients with dry mouth or reduced saliva production.
• Elderly people with worn-down enamel or dental restorations.
• Individuals with generalized gum recession.
• Patients who experience tooth sensitivity.

When Is Fluoride Intake Most Important?

Fluoride treatment is recommended for individuals who are at an increased risk of tooth decay or have a history of cavities. This includes:

• Children under 6 years of age who live in areas with non-fluoridated water.
• Adults with a history of cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, or orthodontic appliances.
• Individuals undergoing radiation therapy to the head or neck. This can damage the salivary glands and increase the risk of cavities.
• People with certain medical conditions. Conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome and lupus cause dry mouth, making individuals more susceptible to cavities.

The ADA recommends limiting the intake of fluoride in infants and young children. The ADA specifically recommends avoiding reconstituted liquid formulas, such as liquid concentrate or powdered baby formulas that require mixing with fluoridated water.

It’s important to note that fluoride treatment is not necessary for everyone. If you have a low risk of cavities and live in an area with fluoridated water, you may not need additional fluoride. However, it is always recommended to consult with a dentist to determine if fluoride treatment is right for you. To make sure you are doing everything you should to have healthy teeth, see our article “5 Best Practices in Oral Care.”

Schedule Your Dental Exam at Our Fuquay-Varina Dentist Today

Our dental professionals at Hamby Family Dental Center are committed to your oral health and fluoride treatments can be part of that. We can make recommendations as to whether fluoride treatments make sense for your specific situation. Keeping up with your regular dental exams is an important part of your dental routine. We are accepting new patients. Contact us today to schedule your check-up. Call us at 919-552-2431 or complete the form below to request an appointment.