Cavities are highly common as roughly 90% of adults have had at least one cavity. Despite being common, cavities can be easily prevented. An effective oral care routine and regular dental visits can keep cavities at bay. However, fluoride can also be highly beneficial when it comes to the longevity of your smile. Below you will find how fluoride protects your smile.
How Fluoride Protects Your Smile
Fluoride is referred to as a cavity fighter as it naturally helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that protects your enamel, the surface of your teeth. Keeping your enamel strong and health is important when it comes to your long-term oral health. Fluoride can strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities. It helps repair the damage through a process called remineralization.
Remineralization refers to the process of strengthening (or rebuilding) or the tooth’s structure that has been impacted by decay. This can occur naturally as there are minerals in your saliva. Toothpaste with fluoride is also another source of fluoride that can help strengthen your teeth. Fluoride treatments are also an effective dental treatment that can help reverse the signs of decay and prevent future decay.
Bacteria and Your Oral Health
Your oral health can be impacted by harmful bacteria that causes cavities. The bacteria feed on leftover food debris that isn’t removed by regular brushing and flossing. Foods and drinks that are high in sugar can be exceptionally harmful when combined with the harmful bacteria. This is because when the bacteria feed off of the sugar, it can release harmful acids that harm your enamel. Fluoride can help repair the damage caused by the harmful acids through remineralization.
While a cavity can be easily treated by a dentist, it’s important to reduce your risk for tooth decay. Tooth decay can impact your oral health and lead to issues such as tooth loss or even an infection. This can be highly painful and lead to unnecessary dental issues. You can reduce your risk for cavities by reducing snacking, avoiding eating before bed, staying hydrated, and avoiding a diet filled with sugar and processed foods. Additionally, maintaining a healthy oral care routine and regularly visiting the dentist in La Mesa are also necessary. It is recommended that you visit the dentist at least every six months. For those with a history of tooth decay, you may need to visit more often.
Fluoride Treatment in La Mesa
Fluoride treatment in La Mesa can be beneficial and is recommended for those who are at an increased risk for tooth decay. A dental professional can provide you with a fluoride treatment if it is necessary. A highly concentrated amount of fluoride is applied to your teeth. It takes just a few minutes and can be done during a routine dental visit. The application takes just a few minutes and can be applied via a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash. The fluoride can be in the form of a rinse, foam, gel, or varnish and does not need to be removed. However, your dentist may ask you to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after your appointment. This allows for the fluoride treatment to fully absorb so you can have the most benefits.
If you are concerned about your oral health, schedule a dental appointment so a skilled dental professional can assess your oral health. The team at Smiles of La Mesa have helped countless patients restore their smile and prevent future dental issues. They offer cosmetic, restorative, and preventative dentistry treatments to help you achieve your desired aesthetic. Contact their office today to schedule an appointment!
