Fluoride

Using Fluoride to Protect your Teeth

You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit the dentist every six months, but did you know that fluoride — a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay — also helps keep your teeth healthy and strong?

Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay by increasing your tooth enamel’s natural resistance to decay.

Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic

• Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth, and includes toothpastes, mouth rinses, gels, foams, varnishes, and silver diamine fluoride (SDF).
• Systemic fluorides are delivered through community water fluoridation or fluoride supplement prescription.

We will talk about different fluoride treatment options and explain which one is better for your child. A fluoride treatment in our office takes a few minutes.

After the treatment, the patient may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your child's oral health or the doctor’s recommendation, a fluoride treatment may be applied every three, six, or 12 months.

Dr. Leila may also prescribe an at-home fluoride product such as mouthwash or gels.