It never hurts to have some extra protection against cavities! As a natural mineral, fluoride makes for an excellent coating system that’s capable of shielding your pearly whites from cavity-causing bacteria. While Dr. Lamberti will still recommend regular brushing and flossing, fluoride treatment provides a quick and easy way to strengthen and repair your enamel. To shield your pearly whites with fluoride, simply request a checkup and cleaning appointment and let our team know you’re interested!
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Trace amounts can be found in water sources and vegetables, although American tap water is also conditioned to contain more fluoride. Chemically, it has the unique ability to strengthen and repair enamel – the outermost layer of your teeth. This layer protects the more sensitive parts of your pearly whites from bacteria and unpleasant sensations, so supporting it with fluoride is a good way to keep cavities from affecting your smile!
During a checkup and cleaning, Dr. Lamberti will apply the fluoride directly to your teeth. Don’t worry – the process is completely painless! In order for fluoride to strengthen your enamel, it has to sit completely untouched for a few minutes (this is part of the reason why you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes and avoid eating directly afterwards!). Dr. Lamberti will let you know when you can rinse, and that will be it. Our team will wrap-up your appointment and, if you’d like, give you advice on the best way to take care of your smile at home.
Fluoride treatment is most often recommended for children, however, patients of all ages can benefit from the added cavity prevention. It can be particularly effective for those who:
Ask Dr. Lamberti if fluoride treatment is right for you, and we’ll be happy to talk about the potential benefits in more detail.