Have you ever wondered how to keep your teeth super strong and healthy? One way to do that is with something called fluoride treatment. It’s like giving your teeth a special shield to protect them from bad germs and cavities!
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in many foods and even in water. It helps make your teeth stronger and can repair tiny spots of decay before they turn into big cavities. Think of fluoride as a superhero for your teeth!
How Does Fluoride Prevent Cavities?
Before we dive into how fluoride prevents cavities, let’s understand what cavities are. Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are holes in the teeth caused by the bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches from the food you eat, producing acids that attack tooth enamel, the hard, outer surface of your teeth. Over time, this acid can create tiny holes or cavities in the enamel.
How Does Fluoride Prevent Cavities?
When you visit the dentist, they might give you a fluoride treatment. Here’s how it works:
- Cleaning: First, your teeth are cleaned really well. It's like giving them a fresh start!
- Applying Fluoride: The dentist then applies fluoride to your teeth using a gel, foam, or varnish.
- Wait and Rinse: You’ll need to wait a few minutes for the fluoride to soak in and do its magic.
How safe is fluoride?
Using fluoride for the prevention and control of decay is proven to be both safe and effective. Nevertheless, products containing fluoride should be stored out of the reach of young children. Too much fluoride could cause fluorosis of developing permanent teeth. Fluorosis is usually mild with tiny specks or streaks that are often unnoticeable. In severe cases of fluorosis, the enamel may be pitted with brown discoloration. Development of fluorosis depends on the amount, duration and timing of excessive fluoride intake. The appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis can be greatly improved by a variety of treatments in esthetic dentistry.
