Fluoride Treatment at Bhandari Dental
Fluoride treatment is a preventive dental care measure designed to strengthen teeth and protect against tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps rebuild and reinforce the tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of the teeth. It plays a critical role in maintaining oral health for patients of all ages and is especially beneficial for those at higher risk of developing cavities.
Key Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
- Prevents Tooth Decay: Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks caused by bacteria, plaque, and sugary foods, helping to prevent the formation of cavities.
- Strengthens Enamel: It remineralizes weakened enamel, reversing early signs of tooth decay.
- Protects Against Sensitivity: Fluoride treatments can reduce sensitivity by strengthening the enamel and covering exposed dentin.
- Helps Children’s Teeth Develop: Fluoride is especially vital for children, as it helps strengthen their developing permanent teeth before they erupt.
How Fluoride Treatment Works
Fluoride treatment typically involves the application of a concentrated fluoride solution to the teeth. This treatment can be done in a dentist's office and provides significantly more fluoride than what is found in toothpaste or mouth rinses. The process includes:
- Application: Fluoride is applied in the form of a gel, foam, varnish, or rinse.
- Short Treatment Time: The application only takes a few minutes, and patients are usually advised to avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes afterward to let the fluoride fully absorb.
- Frequency: Depending on your dental health, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments every 3, 6, or 12 months.
Who Can Benefit from Fluoride Treatment?
- Children and Teens: Regular fluoride treatments can help children and teens protect their teeth during critical developmental stages.
- Patients with High Cavity Risk: Individuals with poor oral hygiene, a high sugar diet, or a history of frequent cavities can greatly benefit from fluoride treatments.
- Those with Dental Restorations or Orthodontics: Crowns, bridges, and braces can create areas that are harder to clean, making fluoride essential for protecting those regions.
- Individuals with Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva flow, caused by certain medications or medical conditions, increases cavity risk. Fluoride treatment helps compensate for this issue.
- Adults with Receding Gums: Exposed tooth roots can be more vulnerable to decay, and fluoride can help protect them.
Fluoride Sources Beyond Treatments
Fluoride treatment is one of several ways to incorporate this mineral into your oral care routine. Other sources include:
- Fluoridated Water: Many municipal water supplies contain fluoride to help protect teeth on a community-wide scale.
- Toothpaste and Mouth Rinses: Most toothpaste and some mouth rinses contain fluoride as an active ingredient for daily use.
- Dietary Supplements: Fluoride supplements may be prescribed in cases where local water supplies are not fluoridated.
Safety of Fluoride
Fluoride treatment is safe when applied by a dental professional. Although excessive fluoride ingestion can cause dental fluorosis (a cosmetic condition that leads to white spots on the teeth), professional applications use controlled doses to avoid any adverse effects. It is also important to supervise children to ensure they do not swallow fluoride toothpaste or rinses.
Fluoride Treatment at Bhandari Dental
At Bhandari Dental, we offer professional fluoride treatments tailored to your individual dental needs. Whether you’re looking to prevent cavities, strengthen enamel, or address tooth sensitivity, our experienced team ensures a safe and effective fluoride application as part of your comprehensive dental care. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you protect your smile with the proven benefits of fluoride treatment!
Your comfort is our priority, and your smile is our passion. Contact Bhandari Dental to book your appointment today!
Whitening
Over the counter products, take home whitening kits or in-office whitening are the 3 types of whitening. In-office whitening will provide the longest lasting result and greater depth (6 - 9 shades whiter). We use Opalesence Extra Boost exclusively in our office.
Bonding
Bonding is used when a tooth has been chipped, damaged, misaligned or stained/ discoloured. A composite material is applied and molded to fit the form of the tooth. A
"bonding light" then dries and sets the material. Once this has been completed, we polish and smooth the material.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers provide the same function as bonding however they typically last longer. They are used for chipped, damaged, misaligned or discoloured teeth. The veneers are made of a very thin shell of porcelain that is bonded to the front of the teeth. Once applied it becomes very hard and durable. They resist stains and look very natural. This is a short procedure usually requiring only two appointments.
Bleaching
Bleaching is a very effective treatment for stained or discoloured teeth. A peroxide solution is applied, stimulated by heat or heat combined with light. Once the solution has been rinsed the teeth have been lightened. This procedure generally needs to be touched up each year.
Gum Tissue Contouring
Gum tissue contouring, also known as gum reshaping or gum sculpting, is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves shaping and restructuring the gum line to enhance the aesthetics of the smile. This procedure is commonly performed to address issues such as a gummy smile (excessive gum display) or an uneven gum line.
White Fillings
Tooth-colored white fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, offer several advantages compared to traditional amalgam (silver/grey/mercury) fillings, as they are made to match the natural appearance and color of your teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result, especially for visible teeth.