You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” “Fluoride toothpaste” is ubiquitous for good reason.
Fluoride is an important mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpastes more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the dangerous acid that is formed by bacteria. Dr. Orey Pence may recommend a fluoride treatment in addition to your dental cleaning.
The fluoride used in in-office treatments comes in either a gel or foam and may be available in several flavors. The fluoride is applied directly to teeth through the use of a plastic dental tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is kept in your mouth for just a few minutes. Fluoride treatments are a fairly simple and painless way to strengthen your teeth and keep an attractive smile.
While many Pence Family Dentistry patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments in fortifying developing teeth in children, some do not realize the importance of fluoride for adults. For this reason, fluoride treatments are sometimes recommended to adults who are susceptible to enamel wear or tooth decay.
If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, meet with Dr. Pence about fluoride supplements. Dr. Pence will let you know if they are necessary and determine the precise supplement dosage. Don’t give your child fluoride supplements without your dentist’s counsel. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis which discolors teeth and, ironically, can make teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.
A factor that affects the amount of fluoride your children are receiving is where you get your drinking water. Your children may not need fluoride supplements if they drink tap water from a fluoridated Indiana municipal water supply. If your family only drinks bottled water without fluoride, you may want to examine supplementation. Keep in mind that the FDA does not require bottled water companies to list the fluoride content on the bottle label and many brands sold in the Indianapolis area do not contain fluoride.
If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, talk to Dr. Pence about helpful dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from decay.
Dr. Pence is committed to preventative dentistry with critical twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings that may include a fluoride treatment. Call 317-842-2337 to book an exam and cleaning and be on your way to a healthy, attractive smile!
Pence Family Dentistry is located at 9744 Lantern Rd in Fishers. We provide trusted dental care with a comprehensive menu of general and cosmetic dental care including pinhole surgery, sedation dentistry, and pinhole surgery.
Orey Pence is a member of the American Dental Association. You can learn more about American Dental Association at http://www.ada.org/.
Contact Pence Family Dentistry:
317-842-2337
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
9744 Lantern Rd
Fishers, Indiana
46037
