Cavities develop when bacteria clings to teeth and around gums, causing plaque. Plaque is a sticky, clear substance that eats away at the enamel of the tooth. As a result, this leads to cavities. Some people are prone to getting cavities, but usually, you can help prevent tooth decay by exercising proper oral hygiene and obtaining enough fluoride. Fluoride treatments at Lovett Dental Upper Kirby are a simple way to ensure you get an adequate amount of this essential mineral.
When you get a teeth cleaning, your dentist will apply a fluoride treatment as a part of the appointment. Therefore, if you get regular cleanings, then you are sure to have enough fluoride.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral needed for strong, healthy teeth. Fluoride aids in preventing cavities and repairing your teeth. A fluoride treatment ensures your teeth remain healthy and picture-perfect for the years to come.
Fluoride is in your bones and teeth, occurring naturally in many places such as water, soil, rocks, and plants. However, it’s important to obtain more than you would get from a water source.
Fluoride treatments are done right in the Lovett Dental Upper Kirby office as part of our general dentistry services. The dentist may use a gel, varnish, or foam for a fluoride treatment and apply the fluoride with a brush or some other type of tool.
After the fluoride treatments, the dentist will tell you how long you should refrain from eating or drinking.
How Old Must a Person Be to Receive Fluoride Treatments?
Children as young as six months old can get a fluoride treatment. Children who don’t get enough fluoride in their water may be deficient and in need of fluoride treatments. In addition, doctors recommend that as soon as baby teeth appear, children should have the fluoride varnish applied to them. This will ensure their baby teeth do not get cavities because that will affect their adult teeth.
Ways to Obtain Fluoride
There are two ways fluoride is obtained:
- Systemic: This method is through ingesting fluoride. We do this when we drink water that has fluoride in it. Also, some supplements have fluoride in them.
- Topical: This method is when the dentist applies the fluoride to the teeth, as noted above.
Medical professionals state you need both types of fluoride methods for adequate tooth protection.
How Often Do I Need Fluoride Treatments?
The amount of fluoride treatments you’ll need depends on your oral hygiene. Therefore, each treatment plan is different. Dentists and the CDC recommend every three, six, or twelve months depending on the situation and age of the patient.
Learn More About Flouride Treatments at Lovett Dental Upper Kirby Today
To start you or your child on fluoride treatments, reach out to Lovett Dental Upper Kirby. We are a reputable and professional dental office with a history of great customer service. People patronizing our establishment find it both comfortable and friendly.
Schedule your evaluation with our dental professionals today for more than fluoride treatment. At Lovett Dental Upper Kirby, our experienced dental staff will help you with every aspect of the dental procedure. We even help calm nervous patients with specialty dental services.
Our broad range of services include:
Regain your smile and confidence with fluoride treatments. Contact Lovett Dental Upper Kirby to take charge of your teeth today. Call 713-490-8888 today for the best path for a healthy smile.