Fluoride Treatment
Edmonds, WA

Young boy receiving fluoride treatment at Perrinville Family Dentistry in Edmonds, WAEveryday, our tooth enamel loses mineral through the process of demineralization. Minerals are lost when acid-producing bacteria attack your enamel. Even though our teeth are designed to recover mineral loss, too much demineralization as a result of plaque can result in dental caries.
At Perrinville Family Dentistry, we can offer you fluoride treatment that can prevent tooth decay. Fluoride forms a protective layer over your teeth and disrupts the acid production that leads to cavities.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that can prevent and even reverse tooth decay in its early stages.
Our body can take in fluoride topically or systemically. Topical fluorides are placed externally on the surface of our teeth to protect them for decay. Systemic fluorides, on the other hand, are taken through flouridated water or supplements.

What Does a Fluoride Treatment Involve?

Professional fluoride treatment takes only a few minutes to complete. The gel, varnish, solution, or foam that is used in the treatment has a higher concentration of fluoride than that in mouthwashes and toothpastes.
The fluoride preparation is applied to the mouth with the help of a cotton swab or brush or is used as a mouth rinse. It can also be applied to a dental tray which covers your teeth for several minutes.
After the treatment, you should not rinse your mouth or eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes to give the fluoride time to absorb into your teeth.
Depending on your oral health, you may require a repeat of the fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months.
If you oral health requires it, we may also recommend you some over-the-counter fluoride mouthrinses.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

The American Dental Association notes that fluoride can help repair eroded teeth enamel even in adults. If you are experiencing teeth sensitivity, dry mouth, or poor oral health, Gary J. Jacky, DMD and may recommend fluoride treatment for you.
Fluoride treatment has many benefits:
•  Fluoride helps the body make better use of minerals like calcium and phosphate which make up and repair your tooth structure.
•  Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel in primary teeth making them less susceptible to bacteria and infection.
•  It can prevent, and in some cases, even reverse minor damage caused by acid-producing bacteria and reduces the risk of cavities.
•  It prolongs the life of primary teeth and ensure better health of adult teeth.
•  It reduces the risk of expensive dental restoration work later in life.

Side Effects of Fluoride

Fluoride taken in excess or in improper ways can lead to certain side effects.
•  Tooth discoloration: Tooth discoloration or fluorosis can create chalky white streaks or other discoloration on the teeth. This happens when small children, typically under the age of two, ingest too much fluoride when their teeth are still developing under the gums.
•  Allergies: Some people may also experience allergies like skin irritation after using fluoride, though this is quite uncommon.

If you or a family member are at a moderate to high risk of developing dental cavities, a fluoride treatment can help prevent this. To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (425) 616-0620 today.
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