Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a mineral that naturally exists in water and some foods. Our teeth can lose and gain minerals through the process of demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization occurs when minerals are lost from a tooth’s enamel layer though acid attack produced by plaque bacteria and sugars. Tooth decay is formed when there is too much demineralization of the enamel, allowing bacteria, acid and sugars to penetrate into the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth. Remineralization occurs when Fluoride minerals are deposited into the tooth enamel layer to help strengthen the tooth structure, making it more resistant to acid from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. Fluoride can even stop the progression and reverse early decay. Professional Fluoride treatment can be applied in various methods such as a rinse, foam, gel or varnish (paint on). Over the counter fluoridated products (mouth rinses and toothpaste) are also encourage to be used on a daily basis to help remineralize enamel between dental cleanings.
