Boosting Protection Against Cavities with Fluoride Treatments
Dr. Joseph Mormino and his team are dedicated to providing a comprehensive scope of preventive treatments to ensure that patients can enjoy a happy and healthy smile for as long as possible at his Staten Island, NY, practice. Included among these services are professional fluoride treatments, which help strengthen tooth enamel and protect teeth from decay. By laying the foundations for strong teeth early on, you can minimize the risks of more serious health problems such as periodontal disease and their sometimes costly restorative treatments.
Fluoride: What it is and How it Works
Fluoride is an effective tool used to protect the teeth from bacterial acids that can lead to cavities and decay. The layer of enamel that protects our teeth is made up of a number of different minerals. However, a myriad of problems can lead to demineralization, including:
- Acid formation on the teeth
- Exposed and hypersensitive root areas
- Medical conditions that limit saliva production
- Cracks along the chewing area of the teeth
- Fair to poor dental health practices
- Tooth erosion
Left untreated, demineralization can lower your defenses against tooth decay and leave you more susceptible to oral health problems.
In the first part of the twentieth century, a number of studies demonstrated that people who drank water with fluoride had significantly fewer cavities than those whose water had none. It has since been proven that our body naturally incorporates fluoride into enamel as a supplement to replace those lost minerals.
Professional-grade treatments can introduce fluoride at higher levels and boost protection for both children and adults.
We now use fluoride as a large scale tool in public health, including it both in over-the-counter products like toothpaste and drinking water. However, while this helps supplement your stores of fluoride, it may not be enough for severe deficiencies. Professional-grade treatments can introduce fluoride at higher levels and boost protection for both children and adults.
Concerns About Fluoride
In recent years, some individuals have criticized the use of fluoride. However, despite claims of long-term negative impacts on health, there is currently no evidence demonstrating that fluoride is dangerous. Its use in drinking water as a public health measure is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Medical Association (AMA).
FLUORIDE vs. DENTAL SEALANTS
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are both great options for protecting the teeth from cavities and decay, but the two are often confused. Where fluoride is absorbed by teeth and can help protect and strengthen your tooth’s enamel, sealants are physical barriers used to prevent food from becoming lodged in the back molars. Sealants are an excellent preventative solution for patients of all ages.
Protect Your Teeth Today
Good preventive dental care is crucial to maintaining a happy and healthy smile. If you are interested in learning more about fluoride treatments or how dental sealants can protect you and your overall health, please give us a call at (718) 876-9100 or send us a message through the website to schedule your appointment.
