One of the most effective treatments we offer at Northside Dental is one that takes mere minutes during a routine dental cleaning. It’s called a fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatments combat cavities and decay to help protect the health of your smile. In this blog post, we’ll explain what a fluoride treatment is and how often you should get one.
What Is a Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that wards off plaque and decay from the surface of the teeth, therefore preventing the development of cavities. Typically, your dental hygienist will wrap up your routine cleaning with a quick fluoride treatment to give your teeth added protection.
We recommend that you also use a fluoridated toothpaste. However, professional fluoride treatments offer a higher concentration of fluoride than what you can find over the counter. Fluoride can be applied on your teeth through a rinse, gel, foam, or varnish. No matter the type of treatment, it’s a quick application process. You only need to set aside a half hour for the treatment to be absorbed by your teeth.
How Much Fluoride Do You Need?
Depending on your health history, fluoride treatments can be administered every three, six, or twelve months. We recommend you receive a fluoride treatment during your twice yearly dental appointments to keep your teeth cavity free. Another way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Additionally, eat a healthy, balanced diet that is high in vitamins and minerals. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stimulate saliva production. It’s also important to avoid smoking to protect both your oral and overall health.
Affordable Preventive Dentistry in Raleigh, NC
Fluoride treatments are just one of the many services we offer at Northside Dental to give our patients healthy, beautiful smiles! If you are in need of a preventive, restorative, or cosmetic dental treatment, our friendly staff is here to help you reach your smile goals. Check out our patient resources page to learn more about our office, including our financing options. Please contact us to schedule an appointment!