What You Should Know About Fluoride Treatments

The dangers associated with fluoride treatments, and be information involving it as a preventative dental care solution came to light not too long ago and it caused quite a stir in the dental world. Fluoride has come to be a household name as many counties in the United States are placing this mineral in the water supply. While fluoride is a very controversial topic, is still necessary for good oral health. In the following article, we will discuss what you should know about fluoride treatments and how they can positively or negatively affect your dental health.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

When opting for fluoride treatments as a part of yours by annual preventive care appointment, you are allowing your dentist to put you at less of a risk for experiencing tooth decay. Every day, our teeth are put at risk buy naturally subjecting themselves to substance substances that wear away the tooth enamel. Certain minerals such as calcium and fluoride work to establish what was lost in your tooth. When your enamel is thinned by everyday substances, you are more likely to bring on tooth decay, commonly known as cavities. Regular fluoride treatments work to deposit this mineral back into your teeth and reverse what was lost.

Risks of Excessive Fluoride Treatments

Generally speaking, fluoride is considered safe, in small doses. Risks associated with fluoride are based on a person’s weight, meaning fluoridated toothpaste for younger children are not recommended. There are patients that have a sensitivity to fluoride that cause them to experience allergic reactions such as hives or skin irritations when ingesting fluoride. Excessive fluoride also has the potential to cause a condition known as fluorosis which is a cosmetic condition that stems from overexposure during the first few years of life. This manifested cells in dark spots on the teeth, and is generally irreversible.

If you have more questions about fluoride and would like to consult your dentist before seeking fluoride treatment, feel free to do so at Koren Family Dental. Our office in Raritan, NJ, is open to answering our patients’ questions and addressing any concerns you may have. Give us a call or send us an email as soon as possible.