Fluoride in St. Louis, MO

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.

Fluoride protects teeth from developing tooth decay in three ways:

• It makes teeth strong and more resistant to acid.
• It can stop early tooth decay by putting minerals back into teeth.
• It interferes with bacteria's ability to make acid.

Types of Fluoride

Topical fluorides strengthen teeth already present in the mouth, making them more decay resistant, while systemic fluorides are those that are ingested and become incorporated into forming tooth structures.

• Topical fluorides include toothpastes, mouth rinses, and gels. Professionally applied topical fluoride varnish provides a higher strength of protection.
• Systemic fluorides such as community water fluoridation and dietary fluoride supplements are effective in reducing tooth decay. These fluorides provide topical as well as systemic protection because fluoride is present in the saliva.

Fluoride Treatment at Concord Dental Group

At Concord Dental Group we use fluoride varnish that is applied at the end of your dental appointment.  This is applied as a very thin layer across your teeth and is quick, easy, and painless. Plus, you can eat and drink right away. We offer three great flavors (mint, bubble gum, and caramel).

Fluoride can also help with other dental health issues such as:

• Strengthening tooth enamel: Fluoride makes tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. This can help prevent tooth decay and cavities and can also help reverse early tooth decay.
• Reducing tooth sensitivity: Fluoride can reduce tooth sensitivity by blocking exposed dentin tubules in the enamel.
• Helping with dry mouth: Fluoride treatments can help minimize acid damage caused by bacteria in the mouth, which can be a problem for people with dry mouth.

We recommend a fluoride treatment every three to months at our St. Louis dental office.

At-Home Fluoride

To enhance your oral hygiene with fluoride at home, look for the American Dental Association's (ADA) seal of acceptance, which means the product has been approved for its safety and effectiveness. If you have sensitive teeth or are prone to cavities, choose a treatment that addresses those concerns.

The ADA doesn't recommend fluoride toothpaste for children under two, or fluoride mouthwash for children under six, because they're more likely to ingest the products.

If you have questions about at-home or in-office fluoride, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Whitson, Dr. Wilkes, or a member of the Concord Dental Group team.