Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride Treatment in Santa Barbara, CA
Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in the earth as well as in some sources of food and water. It can help prevent tooth decay, reverse early signs of decay, and remineralize your tooth enamel. It is a safe, effective way to protect the health of your teeth. Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS offers fluoride treatment in Santa Barbara, CA, for adults and seniors. Call us now to schedule a visit and find out if you need dental fluoride treatments.
What Is a Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride can help your body absorb and use other helpful minerals like calcium and phosphate, which your teeth and bones need to stay healthy. Fluoride also reduces demineralization of teeth, which can make them less vulnerable to dental cavities and tooth decay.
A fluoride treatment is a dental treatment that uses fluoride to improve dental health and reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. There are a few different types of fluoride treatment options available:
- Fluoridated drinking water
- Fluoridated oral hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash
- Fluoride mouth rinses
- In-office fluoride treatments, during which your dentist applies fluoride to your teeth in the form of a gel, foam, varnish, or other solution
- Fluoride supplements, which are in the form of tablets, lozenges, or drops that are added to water
Who Needs Dental Fluoride Treatments?
Adults and seniors can benefit from fluoride treatments. Dr. Stratford-Jones may recommend fluoride treatment if you:
- Are at risk of dental cavities or tooth decay
- Have a history of dental cavities
- Have not maintained proper oral hygiene
- Have an eating disorder that has affected the health of your teeth or increased demineralization of your tooth enamel
- Have not been consistent about maintaining regular preventive dental care and dental cleanings
- Have a medical condition that affects your ability to absorb nutrients from food
At-Home Fluoride Treatment vs. Fluoride Treatment at the Dentist
Both home fluoride treatment and fluoride treatment at the dentist can reduce your risk of cavities. However, visiting the dentist for fluoride treatments will give you access to a higher concentration of fluoride and proper application. In-office fluoride treatments are more effective if you are at a high risk of tooth decay or have a history of dental cavities. Your dentist can also determine if you need any other preventive or restorative dental care to reduce your risk of bad breath, dental cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Benefits of Dentist Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride replaces minerals that have been lost from your tooth enamel due to acid from bacteria. Fluoride strengthens your teeth and makes it harder for acid to dissolve your enamel. Fluoride also reduces acid production and makes it harder for bacteria to stick to your teeth. Other benefits of fluoride treatments are:
- Prevent dental cavities and tooth decay
- Remineralize tooth enamel to make teeth stronger and more resistant to bacteria
- Reduce tooth sensitivity
- Reverse early tooth decay
- Prevent the need for extensive dental work
- Improve oral health and overall health
Does Fluoride Repair Teeth?
Yes, fluoride can repair teeth by preventing tooth decay, remineralizing tooth enamel, and reversing early tooth decay. Fluoride can also protect your teeth from the bacteria that cause dental cavities.
Can Fluoride Reverse Cavities?
Fluoride can reverse early tooth decay and early-stage dental cavities. It cannot treat severe or large dental cavities.
What Should I Do After Fluoride Treatment?
After a fluoride treatment, you should not eat or drink for about an hour to give the fluoride time to adhere to your teeth. Avoid eating foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky. Avoid hot or cold drinks, soda, and alcohol as well. Do not smoke after a fluoride treatment, as you could risk staining your teeth. Avoid taking any prescription fluoride treatments for at least three days after treatment.
Even after getting a fluoride treatment, you still need to take steps to protect your oral health. Dr. Stratford-Jones will give you personalized advice and recommendations to preserve the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth and reduce your risk of problems like dental cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. We recommend getting general dental check-ups every six months and practicing consistent daily home dental care and oral hygiene, such as brushing at least twice per day, flossing at least once per day, and limiting your consumption of sugar and alcohol.
Schedule a Fluoride Dental Treatment
If you want to protect your oral health, reverse the early stages of tooth decay, and reduce your risk of dental cavities, consider fluoride treatments. Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS and our team can determine your risk level for oral health issues and design a personalized treatment program that protects your smile and health. We offer general dentistry services as well as cosmetic and restorative dentistry, periodontal disease treatment, oral cancer screenings, and emergency dental care. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation and determine if you would benefit from fluoride treatment in Santa Barbara, CA.