At Danville Family Dentistry, we’re sure most people living in Hendricks County know they need to brush their teeth a couple times a day and floss at least once day. But did you know there’s something else you can do to ensure your teeth stay healthy? You can use dental treatments that contains fluoride.
Fluoride – The Key to Fighting Tooth Decay
You may wonder, how does fluoride help keep my teeth healthy? Fluoride can prevent – and sometimes even reverse – tooth decay.
Every day, people lose minerals from the enamel layer of their teeth. This process called demineralization is caused by the acids in your mouth. Sugars from the foods and beverages you eat or drink, and bacteria in the plaque on your teeth, produce acids. These acids attack your teeth’s enamel. However, when you eat or drinks foods or waters containing minerals like calcium, phosphate and fluoride, these minerals are redeposited on your teeth’s enamel. This process is called remineralization. When your teeth’s enamel undergoes too much demineralization without enough remineralization, it can lead to tooth decay.
However, fluoride can disrupt acid production, keeping acids from dissolving the enamel on your teeth. Also, it can slow demineralization of the teeth while speeding up tooth enamel repair through remineralization. Additionally, fluoride is important in the development of your Hendricks County child’s permanent teeth.
Treating and Preventing Tooth Decay with Fluoride
How can you make sure you’re getting enough fluoride? Talk to Dr. Jon Erickson at Danville Family Dentistry. Some ways to add fluoride to your teeth are to:
- Drink fluoridated water.
- Brush your teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Rinse your mouth with fluoridated mouth wash.
- Get a fluoride treatment for you or your child at Danville Family Dentistry. Schedule an appointment by calling 317-745-4400.
- Take fluoride supplements prescribed by Dr. Jon Erickson, your family doctor, or your child’s pediatrician.
These treatment solutions can help prevent the early stages of tooth decay while strengthening weak spots on your teeth.
No Dental Insurance for Fluoride Treatments?
What do you do if you don’t have dental insurance to get fluoride treatments or preventative dental care done for you or your child? Contact the Hendricks County office of Danville Family Dentistry to learn about our Smile Savings Plan. For a low annual fee, our Smile Savings Plan provides you or your child with a year’s worth of preventative dental care. Treatments provided with the program include 2 professional oral exams, 2 professional cleanings, and regularly scheduled X-rays. In addition, your child (ages 16 and under) can receive 2 fluoride treatments a year, too. Enroll today to keep you or your child’s teeth healthy and to prevent tooth decay.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
(317) 745-4400
