Fluoride Treatments in Erlanger
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, which in turn helps protect teeth from acids and bacteria that cause cavities. Low levels of fluoride are present in many city water supplies and toothpastes and do offer protection from tooth decay, but most patients need a little more help in preventing cavities. Children are vulnerable to tooth decay, as are patients who take certain medications or are undergoing cancer treatment. Additionally, adults with gum recession can develop cavities in the exposed root surfaces of their teeth, which do not have a protective enamel layer. That is why Dr. Henry offers professional-strength fluoride varnish to all of her patients at every six-month checkup. Using a concentrated form of fluoride, the thick varnish is applied to the teeth, including exposed tooth roots, where it will cling for several hours to help remineralize the tooth enamel. You will be instructed not to brush your teeth that night to allow the varnish to take full effect, but you may resume your normal oral hygiene routine the next morning.
For personalized general and cosmetic dental care in northern Kentucky, contact Dr. Darlene Henry today to schedule an appointment. Located in Erlanger, we serve patients from all surrounding areas, including Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Edgewood, Fort Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, and Taylor Mill.
Most US tap water contains fluoride today. However, most bottled water doesn’t. Many people have fluoride deficiency, which puts teeth at a greater risk for getting cavities. In some cases, parents think that they are protecting their babies by using bottled water to mix formula, but actually, tap water is better in this case. Many children pack bottled water in school lunches, and adults tend to toss a bottled water in the car instead of filling up a reusable water bottle with tap water.
Fluoride is an interesting mineral because it attracts other minerals and strengthens tooth enamel. At your checkup, we can determine whether your teeth would benefit from a fluoride supplement. If we find that your teeth could use a boost, we’ll recommend a simple solution.
Fluoride mouth rinse in many flavors is available at our office. One quick rinse, and your teeth will have a better chance of staying healthy. We offer supplemental fluoride for patients of all ages. Oftentimes, our hygienist will recommend additional ways to keep your fluoride levels up between dental visits. These may include switching to tap water or using a fluoride-rich mouthwash at home.