Dentists offer different treatments, with some being more popular than others. For instance, fluoride treatment is not that popular, and despite its acceptance as a dental treatment, some people are still uncertain about its purpose. Generally, dentists provide fluoride treatments to decrease the risk of cavities and decay. Furthermore, fluoride enables dentists to intervene in the advent or continuation of tooth rot and damage. That said, most people do not know the different ways a dentist administers fluoride treatments. This article highlights three ways dentists administer fluoride treatments.
Fluoridated Toothpaste
Toothpaste is one of the most common and effective ways dentists deliver fluoride treatment. When you eat and drink sugary foods and beverages, the bacteria in your mouth produce acidic compounds. Over time, the acidic elements discolour your pearly whites and gradually eat away the enamel. Thus, only a visit to a dentist can determine whether fluoridated toothpaste is the right treatment for your condition. Ideally, dentists only recommend fluoridated toothpaste during the early stages of tooth decay or cavity. Notably, the fluoride in toothpaste fuses with the calcium and phosphate in your teeth to create a robust defence system that protects the teeth from further deterioration. The best part is that fluoride toothpaste is safe for children since the low concentrations are harmless.
Fluoridated Mouth Rinses/Washes
Dentists can also prescribe fluoridated mouth rinses and washes to patients to ward off tooth decay and cavities. Typically, dentists administer fluoride treatments via mouthwashes and rinses for older children and adults. The reason is that young children can swallow fluoridated mouth rinses and harm their health. The issue is critical for new parents who think there is nothing to worry about giving their children fluoridated mouthwashes. Besides, fluoridated mouth rinses are only available via prescription or in-office purchase to prevent possible mishaps. Therefore, the regulation disqualifies them as over-the-counter solutions for cavities and tooth decay.
Direct Fluoride Application
The previously discussed fluoride delivery methods are excellent for mild tooth decay and cavities. The reason is that fluoride concentrations in toothpaste and mouthwashes/rinses are relatively low to prevent overdosing. Direct fluoride treatments are the exact opposite because they target extensive tooth decay and cavities. Thus, the fluoride concentrations are applied in-office by a qualified and licenced dentist to ensure the chemical does not stay longer than necessary in a patient's mouth. Therefore, dentists must monitor direct fluoride applications to avoid any harmful components found in the compound. Notably, candidates for direct fluoride applications need several treatments to reverse tooth decay.
For many years, I hated the way my teeth looked. They always looked discoloured so I would do everything I could to hide my smile. On family photos, my mom would always complain that I never gave a grin like my brothers and sisters. When I graduated college, I decided I needed to take action. I contacted my local dental surgery and asked them about tooth whitening treatments. The dentist was great and gave me all of the info I needed. After the treatment, my smile was like a million dollars. I decided to start this blog to educate others about the benefits of teeth whitening and other dental treatments.