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You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” “Fluoride toothpaste” is ubiquitous for good reason.
Fluoride is a key mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpastes more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the dangerous acid that is formed by bacteria. Dr. Dr. Harris may recommend a fluoride treatment in addition to your dental cleaning.
The fluoride used in in-office treatments comes in either a gel or foam, and may be available in several flavors. The fluoride is applied directly to teeth through the use of a plastic dental tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is kept in your mouth for just a few minutes. Fluoride treatments are a fairly simple and painless way to strengthen your teeth and preserve an attractive smile.
While many Harris Dental patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments in fortifying developing teeth in children, some do not realize the importance of fluoride for adults. For this reason, fluoride treatments are sometimes recommended to adults who are susceptible to enamel wear or cavities.
If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, speak with Dr. Harris about fluoride supplements. Dr. Harris will let you know if they are necessary and determine the precise supplement dosage. Don’t give your child fluoride supplements without your dentist’s counsel. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis which discolors teeth and, ironically, can make teeth more susceptible to decay.
A factor that influences the amount of fluoride your children are receiving is where you get your drinking water. Your children may not need fluoride supplements if they drink tap water from a fluoridated Arizona municipal water supply. If your family only drinks bottled water without fluoride, you may want to think about supplementation. Keep in mind that the FDA does not require bottled water companies to list the fluoride content on the bottle label and many brands sold in the Phoenix area do not contain fluoride.
If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, communicate with Dr. Harris about helpful dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from cavities.
Dr. Harris is enthusiastic about preventative dentistry with important twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings that may include a fluoride treatment. Call 480-428-0040 to book an exam and cleaning and be on your way to a healthy, pleasing smile!
Harris Dental is located at 4444 N 32 St Ste 208 in Phoenix. We provide exceptional dental care with a comprehensive menu of general and cosmetic dental procedures including dental implants, Invisalign clear braces and dental implants.
Dr. Harris is a member of the American Dental Association. You can learn more about American Dental Association at http://www.ada.org/en/.
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