Using Fluoride to Protect your Teeth

You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and visit the dentist every six months, but did you know that rinsing with fluoride — a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay — also helps keep your teeth healthy and strong?

Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay by coating your teeth and preventing plaque from building-up and hardening on the tooth's surface.

Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic:

• Topical fluoride, a professionally applied fluoride treatments, is applied directly to the tooth and includes toothpastes and mouth rinses.
• Systemic fluorides - talk to Dr. Raymond about whether fluoride is present in your drinking water. If not he will need to prescribe a regimen for your child.

Receiving a fluoride treatment from your dentist

A fluoride treatment in your dentist's office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor's recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe an at-home fluoride product such as mouthwash, gels, or antibacterial rinses.

How to choose the right fluoride treatment

When choosing your own at-home fluoride product (such as toothpaste which begins at the age of 3 or mouthwash which begins at the age of 8), always check for the American Dental Association's (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined by the ADA, and approved, based on safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright, with dental fluoride treatments!