You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” “Fluoride toothpaste” is ubiquitous for good reason.
Fluoride is a key mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpaste more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the harmful acid that is formed by bacteria. Dr. Allan Acton may recommend a fluoride treatment in addition to your dental cleaning.
The fluoride used in in-office treatments comes in either a gel or foam and may be available in several flavors. The fluoride is applied directly to teeth through the use of a plastic dental tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is kept in your mouth for just a few minutes. Fluoride treatments are a straightforward and painless way to strengthen your teeth and maintain an attractive smile.
While many Cary Family Dental patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments in fortifying developing teeth in children, some do not realize the importance of fluoride for adults. For this reason, fluoride treatments are sometimes recommended to adults who are susceptible to enamel wear or decay.
If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, speak with Dr. Acton about fluoride supplements. Dr. Acton will let you know if they are necessary and determine the precise supplement dosage. Don’t give your child fluoride supplements without your dentist’s counsel. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis which discolors teeth and, ironically, can make teeth more susceptible to decay.
A factor that influences the amount of fluoride your kids are receiving is where you get your drinking water. Your children may not need fluoride supplements if they drink tap water from a fluoridated North Carolina municipal water supply. If your family only drinks bottled water without fluoride, you may want to consider supplementation. Keep in mind that the FDA does not require bottled water companies to list the fluoride content on the bottle label and many brands sold in the Raleigh area do not contain fluoride.
If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, talk to Dr. Acton about helpful dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from tooth decay.
Dr. Acton is enthusiastic about preventative dentistry with critical twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings that may include fluoride treatment. Call 919-371-4428 to book an exam and cleaning and be on your way to a healthy, pleasing smile!
Cary Family Dental is located at 1149 Kildaire Farm Rd in Cary. We provide premium dental care with a comprehensive menu of general and cosmetic dental procedures including KoR whitening, sedation dentistry, and KoR whitening.
Allan Acton is a member of the Crown Council. You can learn more about Crown Council at https://crowncouncil.com/.
Contact Cary Family Dental:
919-371-4428
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1149 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511
