Fluoride Dental
Treatment Sherwood
Keep your teeth healthy with our professional
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in all water sources, and a wide range of food items. In drinking water, at optimum levels, or applied professionally by a dentist, fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents decay. Given the increasing rates of decay in both children and adults in Australia, almost everyone can benefit from a professional fluoride application. Fluoride is especially important for protecting both baby teeth and developing adult teeth in children. Given the importance of protecting both baby teeth and developing adult teeth in children.
Fluoride and your teeth
The hard, outer surface of the tooth is called ‘enamel’, and acts as a protective layer for the teeth. Despite this, sugars and acids can dissolve minerals out of the enamel, thinning it. This process is called ‘demineralisation’, and can lead to decay. It can also cause teeth to become sensitive. Left unchecked, areas of demineralisation become cavities (holes), which then require a filling. Demineralisation can often be reversed, by replacing the lost minerals (including fluoride, calcium and phosphate). This can be done with certain foods, or by using certain dental products:
- A topical fluoride application at Sherwood dental (following a professional clean)
- Applying Tooth Mousse daily, at home
- Using a high-strength fluoride rinse, at home
- Using a high-strength fluoride toothpaste
- Drinking fluoridated water
What happens during a fluoride treatment?
Prior to your topical fluoride treatment, we’ll first professionally clean your teeth to remove plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), food and staining. Your teeth will be polished, and then a fluoride gel painted on. You’ll need to avoid eating, drinking or rinsing for 30 minutes afterwards so that it can be absorbed. Some people with high rates of decay may also need to purchase additional high-strength fluoride products to use at home.
Ask Dr Craig Duval
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