Fluoride Treatment

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly are three great ways to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. However, there is one additional treatment that we feel is essential to keeping your teeth healthy – and that’s fluoride.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and can actually repair your teeth in the very early, microscopic stages of a cavity. Additionally, it helps to repair tooth enamel – the substance responsible for keeping your teeth strong – by replenishing lost calcium and phosphorous.

There are two forms of this essential and fortifying mineral that you can try:

• Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth enamel. Many store-bought toothpastes and mouthwashes have fluoride or you can have it applied professionally right here in our office. The fluoride treatment that we provide to our patients at Reading Dental is a much stronger concentration than what you will find in the store-bought products, which makes it an extremely effective option. And the best part, it only takes a few minutes to apply. Professional fluoride solutions are available in several forms but generally come in a gel, foam or rinse formula. Depending on the formula type, Dr. Simons will either apply it with a cotton swab or brush, or ask you to rinse or bite down on a plastic mouth tray. After application, the only “homework” is to refrain from rinsing, eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to fully absorb into your teeth.
• Systemic fluorides are swallowed, and are most commonly in the form of fluoridated water and/or a dietary fluoride supplement.

In order to minimize your exposure to possible tooth decay, it is our professional recommendation that you receive fluoride via both methods. If you are interested in learning more about this critical treatment, Dr. Simons and his hygienists are more than happy to discuss the benefits of fluoride with you during your next appointment.