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How does fluoride help fight cavities: fluoride is important for improving oral health in patients of all ages in San Diego, CA. It has been proven to reduce one’s risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease. It is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and other bones. Professional dental fluoride treatments at Dental Express helps both younger patients with growing teeth and older patients with damaged enamel improve their oral health.

Who is the best candidate for fluoride treatment?

Our fluoride treatment dentist will examine each patient to determine who is the proper candidate for this procedure, which can be used on patients of all ages. It usually is given to kids whose teeth are still developing or who don’t have good oral hygiene routines. We also recommend fluoride treatment to older patients who may not have fluoridated drinking water, which makes them more susceptible to developing tooth decay. Dental Express can thoroughly explain what fluoride is used for during an initial consultation. For patients with a dry mouth, neutral sodium fluoride may be used, while phosphate fluoride may be recommended for those with dentures, dental crown and bridges. We also offer a variety of flavors to make the treatments more enjoyable at our San Diego, CA office.

How does fluoride prevent cavities?

Tooth enamel is the outer covering of your teeth. Saliva contains a high amount of phosphate, and when it thoroughly covers your teeth, it protects them by helping to keep them strong. When you eat diets high in carbohydrates, sugar, or acid, your teeth can be affected. All of these diets lead to the stripping of your tooth enamel, which leaves you more likely to develop gum disease or cavities. Fluoride is used to create a barrier on your enamel to reduce the chances you develop tooth decay.

What does fluoride do for your teeth?

Fluoride helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel, reverse early signs of tooth decay, slow down mineral loss from tooth enamel, and prevent the growth of harmful oral bacteria that can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Weakened tooth enamel leaves the teeth vulnerable to bacteria that cause cavities.

How is fluoride treatment performed?

Fluoride treatments are performed every six months after a dental cleaning. We ask our patients to select a flavor and then we prepare the treatment as a varnish, foam, or gel. The fluoride will be left on your teeth for several minutes to allow it to penetrate the enamel. Our dental hygienist will use suction to remove any excess fluoride at the end of your treatment. Do not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes after fluoride treatment in San Diego, CA.

What to expect after fluoride treatment

Nausea and vomiting can occur in patients that consume fluoride. This is why it’s important you follow the 30-minute rule after treatment. While fluoride strengthens the teeth, you will still need to follow a daily oral hygiene routine at home of brushing the teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing at least once daily. You also should schedule regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings at Dental Express to ensure your oral health stays at its best.

Is fluoride treatment covered by insurance?

Many insurance companies do cover fluoride treatment for patients who are of a certain age. However, adults typically aren’t covered. Our team can discuss your financial obligations before you start treatment. We offer a variety of payment methods and low-interest or no-interesting financing options to our patients.

Learn what fluoride does for your teeth

Make sure that you and your family have strong and healthy teeth with a fluoride treatment. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA we recommend fluoride treatment to our younger patients with developing teeth. To schedule a consultation to learn more about fluoride treatment and how it prevents cavities, call our dental office today. We can discuss healthy oral hygiene habits that help protect your enamel, even without the use of fluoride treatment.