Family Dentistry Services
Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay. It is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies. The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in water and many foods. While you receive a certain amount of fluoride from your diet and from using toothpaste with fluoride, we may recommend fluoride treatment to further strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and protect them from tooth decay. As you eat and drink throughout the day, bacteria, sugars and acids constantly attack and demineralize the enamel of your teeth. Fluoride works to remineralize tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay and cavities. In addition, fluoride can strengthen teeth as they develop to make sure they are strong and healthy. This makes fluoride very important for children as their teeth grow in.
Topical fluoride strengthens the teeth once they have erupted by seeping into the outer surface of the tooth enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay. We gain topical fluoride by using fluoride containing dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels. Dentists and dental hygienists generally recommend that children have a professional application of fluoride twice a year during dental check-ups.
Systemic fluoride strengthens the teeth that have erupted as well as those that are developing under the gums. We gain systemic fluoride from most foods and our community water supplies. It is also available as a supplement in drop or gel form and can be prescribed by your dentist or physician. Generally, fluoride drops are recommended for infants, and tablets are best suited for children up through the teen years. It is very important to monitor the amounts of fluoride a child ingests. If too much fluoride is consumed while the teeth are developing, a condition called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) may result.
Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of home and/or professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons:
Remember, fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay! It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, eat balanced meals, reduce sugary snacks, and visit your dentist on a regular basis.
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and makes them more resistant to decay. It works in two ways: topical fluoride, found in products like toothpaste and mouth rinses, strengthens the tooth enamel after the teeth have erupted. Systemic fluoride, found in foods and water supplies, helps strengthen both erupted teeth and those still developing beneath the gums.
A dentist may recommend home or professional fluoride treatments if a patient has deep pits in their teeth, exposed roots, poor oral hygiene, frequent intake of sugary foods, or if they have a history of tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are also advised for individuals with low saliva flow due to medical conditions or medications.
No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our dentists and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.
Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Petrie, Storer and Associates, D.D.S. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our dental offices in Chicago.
Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.
From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.
Stay up to date on your dental health and hygiene with our blog!
Visit the Patient Center to learn what to expect from your first visit, forms, financial policies, and frequently asked questions!
