Protect Your Smile with Fluoride Treatment at Lakeshore Dental

Protect Your Smile with Fluoride Treatment at Lakeshore Dental

At Lakeshore Dental, we believe in the power of preventive care to keep your smile healthy and strong. One of the most effective ways to protect your teeth from decay is through fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, making it an essential part of our preventive care services for both children and adults.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in water, soil, and certain foods. It plays a crucial role in protecting and strengthening tooth enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. By reinforcing the enamel, fluoride helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay and can even reverse the early stages of cavities by promoting the re-mineralization of your teeth.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

  • Cavity Prevention: Fluoride helps protect teeth from cavities by making enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and sugars.
  • Strengthens Tooth Enamel: Fluoride treatments fortify weakened enamel, helping to restore your teeth’s natural defense against decay.
  • Reverses Early Decay: If tooth decay is caught early, fluoride can help re-mineralize and repair the enamel, potentially reversing the damage before a cavity forms.
  • Safe for All Ages: Fluoride treatments are safe and beneficial for patients of all ages, particularly children who are still developing strong, healthy teeth.

How Fluoride Treatment Works

Fluoride treatment is a quick and painless procedure that can be done during your routine dental cleaning and exam. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Application: After your teeth are cleaned, Dr. Crete or one of our skilled hygienists will apply fluoride to the surface of your teeth. It may come in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish, depending on your specific needs.
  2. Quick Process: The fluoride is applied directly to your teeth and allowed to sit for a few minutes to ensure it penetrates and strengthens the enamel.
  3. Post-Treatment Care: After the treatment, you’ll be advised to avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to fully absorb into your teeth.

Who Should Get Fluoride Treatment?

  • Children: Fluoride is especially important for children as their teeth are still developing. Regular fluoride treatments help build strong enamel and protect against cavities during these critical years.
  • Adults: Even if you’re no longer in your growing years, fluoride treatment can still provide significant benefits by strengthening enamel and preventing decay.
  • Patients with Higher Cavity Risk: If you have a history of cavities, dry mouth (xerostomia), gum disease, or other factors that increase your risk of decay, fluoride treatments can provide extra protection.

FAQs About Fluoride Treatment at Lakeshore Dental

How often should I get fluoride treatment?

For most patients, we recommend fluoride treatments twice a year, typically during your routine cleaning and exam. However, if you are at a higher risk of cavities, Dr. Crete may suggest more frequent treatments.

Is fluoride safe?

Yes, fluoride is safe when applied in appropriate amounts by a dental professional. The treatments are non-invasive, and the fluoride used is specially formulated for dental use.

Does fluoride treatment hurt?

No, fluoride treatments are completely painless. The process only takes a few minutes and involves simply applying the fluoride to your teeth.

Strengthen Your Smile with Fluoride Treatment at Lakeshore Dental

Protect your teeth and prevent cavities with professional fluoride treatments at Lakeshore Dental. Whether you’re looking to safeguard your child’s developing teeth or give your own smile some extra protection, fluoride treatment is a simple and effective solution. Call us at (970) 221-1926 to schedule your next appointment or ask about fluoride treatment during your routine exam.