Fluoride Treatment

Decay fighter

Fluoride prevents decay in children and adults. It is especially important for children 6 months to 16 years old to get enough fluoride to protect their teeth. However, adults may need to add fluoride to their preventative appointments or their daily routine depending on their oral health requirements.

Every day bacteria, also known as plaque, forms on the teeth, producing acids that dissolve the tooth’s enamel, causing decay. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and protects against the acid attack. In some cases, it can remineralize the enamel and reverse the damage from the acid attack.

Fluoridated water supplies

Many communities add low doses of fluoride to the local drinking water, which helps greatly in reducing tooth decay. If your water does not have fluoride, we can prescribe a fluoride pill or drops that deliver safe doses of fluoride to help strengthen your teeth.

Fluoridated oral care products

Everyone in the family should use fluoride toothpaste. Children should use only a thin smear until they are old enough not to swallow it. Older children and adults should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft toothbrush. Older children and adults can benefit from a daily fluoride rinse.

We may recommend a more concentrated dose of fluoride that we apply in the office at your preventative recare appointments. We will use a tray to apply either fluoride foam or gel, or we may use a small brush to apply a fluoride varnish.

Fluoride is a strong weapon in the fight against decay and can help you and your child be decay-free for a lifetime.