Fluoride is a natural mineral found in teeth. It is added to drinking water in many Texas counties because of its ability to strengthen teeth. Fluoride has significant dental health benefits that make it one of the essential minerals for proper teeth development. While most people access it in tap water, the amount may be too low to achieve the optimal benefits of fluoride. Splendid Dental Bellaire provides fluoride treatments to help you boost your oral health and fight cavities.
How to Get Fluoride
Fluoride occurs naturally in rocks and dissolves in water, so it is available in various water sources, including lakes and rivers. Most manufacturers also add it in their toothpaste and over-the-counter mouthwashes but in a small dosage. One can also get it in high concentrations from some mouth rinses, but they will require a dentist’s prescription to purchase the products.
Another source of this mineral is a fluoride treatment, which may be available as a gel, varnish, or foam. This treatment contains a higher amount of the mineral compared to mouthwashes and toothpaste. Dentists mainly apply it directly to teeth using a mouthguard or a small brush. Other sources of fluoride include prescription supplements often sold in liquid and tablet forms.
Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride has several advantages that make it crucial in the development of primary and permanent teeth. Some of the benefits of fluoride in both children and adults are:
- It helps fight tooth decay.
- Fluoride strengthens the enamel, preventing teeth damage.
- It protects against gum disease.
Some circumstances may increase the risk of developing oral health issues like tooth decay. For example, allergic medications reduce saliva production, making it hard to neutralize acids in the mouth. People that use these drugs are likely to suffer from oral health issues caused by bacteria that thrive in an acidic environment. However, fluoride treatment can kill harmful bacteria and help prevent dental health problems.
Orthodontic appliances such as dental braces cover teeth surfaces and make it challenging to maintain oral hygiene. A dentist can apply a fluoride treatment to remove plaque on the areas brushing and flossing does not reach.
Are There Any Risks of Using Fluoride?
Fluoride is effective and safe when used in the right amount, but high doses can cause harmful effects. For example, it may lead to fluorosis, an oral health problem characterized by weak, discolored teeth. This condition often occurs during teeth development in young children and adolescents.
Excess fluoride consumption can be toxic and cause abdominal pain, increased saliva production, diarrhea, and muscle pain. This toxicity is rare, but it can happen if drinking water gets contaminated with industrial waste from a fire or explosion.
It is vital to observe some safety measures when using fluoride to prevent harmful effects. Moreover, one should consult a dentist on the ideal amount of fluoride to use. These experts can examine a patient’s teeth and gums to determine if they use an excessive amount. They can also advise on various safety precautions to observe, such as:
- Supervising young children as they brush to prevent toothpaste swallowing
- Using the correct amount of toothpaste
- Avoiding water with a high amount of fluoride
- Using a mouth rinse for the recommended time
- Keeping fluoride supplements out of children’s reach
Contact Splendid Dental Bellaire Today for Fluoride Treatment
Getting a fluoride treatment can boost your oral hygiene and protect against many dental health problems. At Splendid Dental Bellaire, we offer various procedures and products to help you get the benefits of fluoride. We also provide teeth whitening to reduce discoloration caused by excess fluoride and educate you on preventing it in the future. Reach out to Splendid Dental Bellaire today at 713-244-7797 to book a fluoride treatment session.
