Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen teeth and protect them from cavities caused by dental decay. Dental decay happens when the sugars in the food and drink we consume interact with the bacteria in the mouth and produce a sticky film on the teeth called plaque and plaque acids. If plaque and these acids are not removed from our teeth promptly, they can start to cause damage. Plaque acids will eventually erode the outermost layer of the tooth, exposing the softer, inner sections which are more sensitive and can cause pain. If decay is left untreated, it can eventually penetrate the pulp which is the innermost part of the tooth where the roots are located. If the roots become affected by decay, they will be unable to deliver blood and nutrients to the tooth that are needed to keep it healthy which can result in the tooth dying and falling out or requiring extraction.

Studies have shown that fluoride treatments are highly effective at providing additional protection against tooth decay when it is applied at least twice a year. For this reason, many dentists are now offering fluoride treatments alongside your regular, six-month dental check-ups. It is especially recommended for those patients who are at higher risk of developing cavities.
 

Am I at increased risk of cavities?

There are various groups of people who are more likely to suffer from dental cavities that would significantly benefit from fluoride treatment. These include people:
 

• with poor oral hygiene

• who use drugs or drink alcohol to excess

• with a particularly poor diet

• who have weakened dental enamel

• who suffer from dry mouth

• who haven’t seen a dentist in a long time