Fluoride is not just for kids at Mendota Dental

How Does Fluoride Work?

Fluoride helps prevent cavities in two different ways:
Fluoride concentrates in the growing bones and developing teeth of children, helping to harden the enamel on baby and adult teeth before they emerge. Fluoride helps to harden the enamel on adult teeth that have already emerged.

Fluoride works during the demineralization and remineralization processes that naturally occur in your mouth. After you eat, your saliva contains acids that cause demineralization a dissolving of the calcium and phosphorous under the tooth's surface. At other times when your saliva is less acidic it does just the opposite, replenishing the calcium and phosphorous that keep your teeth hard. This process is caused remineralization. When fluoride is present during remineralization, the minerals deposited are harder than they would otherwise be, helping to strengthen your teeth and prevent dissolution during the next demineralization phase.

We find fluoride in our water and in our toothpaste. We can also get additional fluoride at the dentist's office. As most insurance companies only pay for fluoride for children under 18 years old, most patient's don't realize that they too have the option for additional fluoride through treatments during their regular routine cleaning appointment. The dental hygienest can offer these treatments by adding fluoride to a tray and inserting into patient's mouth for an allotted time or by a fluoride rinse. The cost is usually around 30-35 dollars per treatment, a small price to pay to keep those cavities away! Ask your dental hygienst about fluoride at your next dental visit, you may need fluoride if you can relate to one of the listed statments.

Do you need Fluoride?
* No fluoride in your drinking water.
* No fluoride in your drinking water as a child.
* Drink filtered or bottled water.
* Have receding gums or a history of gum disease.
* Have multiple fillings and/or crowns.
* Strong history of dental decay.
* Mouth feels dry; or take medications that cause dry mouth.
* Breath mostly from mouth.
* Currently wear orthodontic appliances.
* Have sensistivity to cold, hot or touch.
* Use home whitening products.
*Limited hand dexterity.
* Use chewing gum, lozenges or hard candy with sugar.
* Visit dentist irregularly.
* Currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
* Suffer from acid reflux.
* Teeth that just don't feel clean, food trap.
* and many more.