Fluoride Treatment Houston, TXFluoride Treatment in Houston provided by Dr. Frank Dunlap at Frank Dunlap, DDS  Poor oral hygiene and diet can lead to tooth decay, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe dental problems like loss of teeth. In order to avoid this, Dr. Frank Dunlap and Dr. Dunlap recommend getting a professional dental treatment at Frank Dunlap, DDS.Request an Appointment Also On This Page:
What is Fluoride?Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help reverse the initial signs of tooth decay by remineralizing the enamel, the outer white layer of the tooth. We can take in fluoride in two different ways:
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. Dr. Frank Dunlap will apply the fluoride preparation to the mouth with a brush or cotton swab or use it as a mouth rinse. Alternatively, they may apply it to a dental tray that covers your teeth for several minutes. Once the treatment is completed, you should avoid rinsing your mouth or eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes. This allows the fluoride to get properly absorbed into your teeth. Depending on your oral health, Dr. Frank Dunlap may require you to visit every three, six, or 12 months to get a repeat of the fluoride treatment. If your oral health requires it, we may also recommend you some over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinses. Benefits of Fluoride TreatmentsAccording to scientific research, fluoride helps to fortify weak tooth enamel by recovering the lost phosphates and calcium, which are found naturally in our saliva. These minerals protect your teeth from future tooth decay. Fluoride works by restoring the essential minerals to the enamel, where bacterial acid may have caused tooth erosion. It also helps to protect against further cavities by retarding the growth of harmful bacteria. Although fluoride cannot eliminate tooth decay, it can give your teeth a stronger surface and can stop dental caries from reaching your dentin or tooth pulp. Fluoride treatment is beneficial for people who struggle with tooth erosion or are at high risk of tooth decay. If you suffer from dry mouth, have poor oral hygiene, use alcohol or smoke excessively, have a poor diet, or have tooth enamel that is liable to chip, then you should ask Dr. Frank Dunlap whether fluoride treatment is a good option for you. Fluoride treatment is also very beneficial for children. The earlier a child is exposed to fluoride, the less chance they will have of developing cavities. However, keep in mind that only children older than two years of age can get fluoride treatment. The use of pea-sized fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children between the ages of three and six years. Once they are done, it is important to ensure they spit out the toothpaste. Who is a Candidate for Fluoride Treatment?People who can benefit from a professional fluoride treatment include:
Fluoride Treatment for ChildrenChildren who are younger than two years of age should use toothpaste that is free of fluoride. Too much fluoride is taken by the child before they get their adult teeth, which can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis. This can result in chalky and discolored striations across the child's teeth. According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily intake of fluoride should be:
You should supervise your child when they brush their teeth with fluoride. Be careful of letting them use only pea-sized toothpaste, and ensure they rinse their mouth when finished. At Frank Dunlap, DDS, we can offer fluoride treatment to your child in a safe way. We use only a very small amount of fluoride to fortify your child's teeth and ensure no fluoride is swallowed. Side Effects of FluorideToo much fluoride can have adverse side effects, just like any other medication. You can get too much fluoride by accidentally overdosing on supplements. Even so, cases of fluoride poisoning are very rare these days. However, too much fluoride can negatively affect the development of teeth and bones in young children. Too much fluoride can result in complications like:
Therefore, it is important to keep fluoride supplements and toothpaste out of reach of your children. Fluoride Treatment AftercareWhen you receive fluoride treatment at Frank Dunlap, DDS, we will check the health of your teeth and administer the fluoride in the form of a rinse, gel, or foam. The procedure takes less than half an hour to perform, and no anesthesia is required. Here are some things you need to be careful of after a fluoride treatment:
Schedule an Appointment Today!If you think you are at high risk of tooth decay, it is a good idea to discuss fluoride treatment with Dr. Frank Dunlap. |
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