Home fluoride treatments can help patients prevent cavities between dental visits. Fluoride is a common mineral that dentists use and recommend to help protect your enamel from early decay. Using fluoride treatments can look different for each patient, but protecting your teeth from bacteria, sugars, and plaque buildup is always the goal. Different treatments and your consistency with using them will give you different benefits. Below are some of the most common home fluoride treatments and how they can help improve your oral health.
Risks Of Too Much Fluoride
It is important to note that too much fluoride can be harmful to your teeth. Even though home fluoride treatments can be beneficial, too much of the natural mineral can cause health concerns.
Most common in children, dental fluorosis causes the color of your enamel to change to contain white spots or brown spots. This happens when children swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out. Using a small amount of toothpaste, or using a non fluoride toothpaste can help limit this problem.
Fluoride can also lead to skeletal fluorosis which is a build-up of the mineral in your bones. This causes stiffness and pain which can lead to trouble moving. If your city water contains fluoride, you are using fluoride toothpaste and other home fluoride treatments, you may want to cut one of these options out of your routine to prevent damage.
Added fluoride to water and other products has also been linked to the following issues:
- Acne
- Cardiovascular problems (high blood pressure, myocardial damage)
- Diabetes
- Immune system complications
- Lower fertility rates and early puberty in girls
- Thyroid dysfunction
Make sure to consult with your dentist and primary care doctor before adding home fluoride or prescription fluoride to your oral care routine.
1- Fluoride Toothpaste
Many popular toothpaste brands include fluoride to help better control plaque and bacteria that can occur in your mouth. Fluoride can be a common ingredient in toothpaste that patients don’t even realize is in their favorite toothpaste. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste will help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Regular brushing is the best way to prevent oral diseases because it removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque, with or without the fluoride mineral. If your child or those with disabilities struggle to regularly brush their teeth, home fluoride treatments may be best to help them keep their teeth healthy.
2- Fluoride Mouthwashes
Some mouth rinses and mouthwashes contain fluoride because they are used as a supplemental fluoride treatment. Mouthwash is beneficial for those who have problems with regular teeth brushing. Swishing around mouthwash can help remove leftover particles while also strengthening tooth enamel. Weak enamel is the cause of cavities, so the added strength from fluoride will help limit the amount of cavities you will have. If you have another home fluoride treatment, adding mouthwash may not be necessary.
Using mouthwashes without fluoride can be a great additive to improve your breath and kill bacteria in the mouth. Using these mouthwashes in addition to proper brushing can help lower the risk of gum disease or oral cancer.
3- Prescription Fluoride Gels
If your dentist can see that you are more prone to cavities or are struggling with oral hygiene, they may prescribe a prescription gel. These can be used at home and left on for a specific amount of time to maximize absorption. Because these are prescribed by a dentist, they are genuinely only used when other options don’t seem to be enough. An influx of cavities is cause for concern, but your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and recommend the best treatment options.
4- Fluoride Supplements
Not all cities add fluoride to their water supply, so people in these areas could benefit from fluoride supplements. Your dentist can prescribe supplements as tablets or as drops to help children during their formative years. These supplements can be prescribed for anyone who is experiencing early tooth decay. Typically supplements are prescribed for children 6 months to 16 years of age or those who are at high risk of tooth decay.
Dental Care From Sunset Dental
Our dental office offers services for all members of your family. We focus on preventative dental care for children to help limit the risk of cavities and help them develop strong adult teeth. Whether you need regular dental cleanings, fillings, wisdom teeth removal, root canals, or crowns, Sunset Dental is here for you. Our team is happy to see returning patients, but we are always accepting new patients who are looking for a friendly dentist. Sunset Dental is committed to providing exceptional dentistry services to patients of all ages. Our goal is to help you have the best smile that you can be proud to show off.