Are you looking for a Leduc dental clinic near you? Leduc Dental Centre offers a wide range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments to our patients. We prioritize preventative dental care to our patients as a way to promote lifelong good oral health.
The use of fluoride in your oral hygiene routine plays an integral role in good oral health and wellness. Leduc Dental Centre has explained how fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, prevents decay, and improves oral health in the blog below.
Receiving Fluoride Treatment in Leduc and Tooth Decay Prevention
For decades, fluoride has been at the forefront of oral health treatments and hygiene practices. It is a natural mineral that keeps tooth enamel healthy (the outer protective layer of our teeth) and kills harmful bacteria that eat away at our teeth and gums.
All water contains some fluoride, levels vary depending on where you are, but it isn’t enough to completely prevent tooth decay. Fluoride treatments involve fluoride being applied to a patient in a concentrated foam, gel or rinse using a tray, brush or mouthwash.
The treatments generally have a higher concentration of fluoride than in toothpaste, and they take only a few minutes. Because high fluoride levels can be toxic, a dental professional is entrusted to apply these treatments safely to the teeth of patients.
The Importance of Good Dental Health
One of the downfalls of poor dental health is the development of cavities, which can develop when bacteria build up on teeth and gums. It forms a sticky layer of an acid called plaque.Plaque erodes teeth, gum tissue and even enamel layers. This leaves teeth exposed to bacteria that can cause infections, harm the nerves in our teeth and eventually lead to complete tooth decay.
This decay can remain symptomless until considerable damage has occurred. If tooth decay is detected early on it is much easier to treat than when advanced decay has occurred. By visiting your Leduc dentist for regularly scheduled check-ups and cleanings, you can help prevent the development of these types of oral health issues.
Another consequence of poor oral health is periodontal disease (otherwise known as gum disease). This can quickly show itself in the forms of tooth and gum decay, loss, infections, and other health issues. Research shows that periodontal disease can also affect your heart and lungs and has the potential to lead to strokes and diabetic complications.
Fluoride Treatment for Children’s Dental Health
Recommended amounts of toothpaste to use while brushing based on a person’s age group.
| Age | Recommended Daily Amounts (in milligrams) |
| 1yr – 3yrs | 0.1mg – 1.5mg |
| 4yrs – 6yrs | 1.0mg – 2.5mg |
| 7yrs – 10 yrs | 1.5mg – 2.5mg |
| Adolescents & Adults | 1.5mg – 4.0mg |
Children under three years old should be closely supervised when they’re brushing their teeth. Just a very thin layer of toothpaste is plenty. It should be no bigger than a grain of rice and only the size of a pea for children ages 3 – 6. The biggest thing with children and fluoride toothpaste is to ensure they spit it all out when they’re done brushing.
Common Misconceptions About Fluoride Treatment
Does fluoride actually help your teeth?
Is fluoride treatment dangerous for children?
High fluoride levels can be toxic in human systems; however, it is not dangerous if used as intended in the prescribed amounts. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are good supplements for our bodies, but again, too much can have adverse effects.
Does fluoride increase the risk of autism?
Types of Fluoride Treatment
There are two types of fluorides used in professional fluoride treatments.
Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (ASF) delivers fluoride faster, but because it is acidic, it can etch or dull restorative ceramic pieces (tooth implants, reparative sealants). It does not have this effect on regular teeth.
How to Incorporate Fluoride Treatment into Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Using toothpaste and mouthwash is helpful. They both add fluoride and kill bacteria. The movement and friction of brushing teeth is vital for plaque removal. Using toothpaste with fluoride and cleaning agents is far more beneficial. One agent that helps with movement and friction is abrasives. They help remove stains and debris from your teeth. Flossing at least once a day is important to keep gums and teeth healthy. Adding antiseptic mouthwash to your routine helps fight off bacteria too. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash is the best oral care routine.
Another way to incorporate it is to see if there is fluoride in your local drinking water. Having trace amounts of fluoride to tap water increases the amount of fluoride in your saliva. This keeps fluoride on your teeth between brushes since the fluoride applied from toothpaste and mouthwash gradually decreases after brushing and while eating/drinking.
Are you looking to discover the benefits of fluoride treatment near you or trying to find a quality dental clinic in Leduc? Contact us now for more information on the process and to book your treatment!