Safely Protect Your Enamel Using Fluoride
With dentistry’s rapid advancements over the last 100 years, fluoride treatments remain integral to routine oral health care. Fluoride is a simple, painless treatment that protects teeth from cavities and decay. At Premier Novi Dentistry, our Novi, MI, dentist Dr. Ruchi Bhatia provides professional fluoride treatments to help maintain your oral health.
Discover how fluoride treatments can restore oral health in Dr. Bhatia’s guide.
How Fluoride Treatments Work
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps protect teeth by strengthening the enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. The enamel absorbs fluoride, making your teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria that can cause cavities. This process is called remineralization, and it helps repair small areas of damage on the surface of your teeth.
Fluoride also helps reduce the acid that the bacteria in your mouth produce, which further helps prevent tooth decay. Additionally, fluoride can reverse the early stages of tooth decay by repairing the damage before it becomes a cavity.
Dr. Bhatia recommends getting professional fluoride every six months or as advised. These treatments are especially important for children as they’re more prone to cavities.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatments
Dr. Bhatia uses fluoride for a host of reasons that benefit our patients, including:
- Prevent Cavities: Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens the enamel of your teeth, making them more resistant to cavities and decay.
- Improve Oral Health: Regular fluoride use can help prevent gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
- Safe and Effective: Fluoride application is safe, painless, and effective. Our expert dentists use the latest techniques and technology to ensure you receive the best possible treatment.
- Affordable: Topical fluoride is an affordable way to protect your teeth and maintain oral health.
The Fluoride Process at Novi Premier Dentistry
The fluoride procedure is a simple, painless process that can help protect your teeth from cavities and decay. Before the fluoride treatment, one of our dental specialists will clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Dr. Bhatia will then apply a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish to your teeth. The fluoride is absorbed into the enamel of your teeth, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria that can cause cavities.
You’ll be asked to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after the treatment to allow the fluoride to absorb into your teeth. Following this period, you can brush your teeth, eat, and drink as usual, confident that your teeth are protected against decay.
At-Home Fluoride
In addition to professional fluoride, you can use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash at home to help protect your teeth. However, use these products only as directed, and don’t swallow them because too much fluoride can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, fluoride treatments are painless and non-invasive. The fluoride is simply brushed onto your teeth, causing no discomfort. You may experience a slight tingling sensation, but this is completely normal and will stop within 30 minutes of receiving your treatment.
Fluoride treatments are recommended for people of all ages, but they’re especially useful for children still developing their teeth and oral hygiene habits. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments to see if you’re a good candidate.
Generally, fluoride treatments take just minutes to complete with a 30-minute waiting period before eating and drinking to allow the fluoride to absorb into your enamel. Dentists will often include fluoride treatments during your routine oral health checkup every six months.
Yes, fluoride treatments are safe and non-invasive. However, you should only use fluoride products as directed and avoid swallowing them, as too much fluoride can be harmful.
Discover The Natural Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride treatments are an easy and affordable way to protect your teeth from cavities and decay. At Premier Novi Dentistry, our expert dentists provide exceptional fluoride treatments using advanced techniques and technology. Book an appointment today by calling (248) 348-8808 or filling out our online contact form to get sparkling teeth and maintain optimal oral health!