Fluoride varnish is applied to the teeth as a protective coating to reduce the effects of caries and decay. This enables those with pre-existing dental problems, such as congenital deficiencies, to avoid the pain and discomfort that come with extensive tooth decay and plaque buildup. There are two types of fluoride toothpaste available, and your dentist will advise which one should be used on the individual teeth.
Commercial-grade fluoride is added to domestic tap water supplies in the United States, where it is believed that consumption helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is recommended by Jacksonville Childrens Clinic for children up to the age of five. Adults may receive a fluoride supplement by prescription, or they can apply fluoride varnish to their own teeth at home. The amount of fluoride in the water you drink determines how much fluoride is added to your toothpaste. Your dentist can advise you on the right fluoride content for your drinking water.
If the fluoride content is too high, or if you are prone to cavities, then the dentist may recommend that you use a lower grade of fluoride varnish or not use any fluoride toothpaste at all. You can purchase kits from your dental professional that contain a variety of different grades of fluoride. Be sure to carefully read the directions before using them.
While fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay in children and prevent the onset of tooth decay in adults, most dentists do not believe it is necessary to give their patients’ ongoing dental care in order to maintain good oral hygiene. Even so, some adults continue to have their teeth professionally cleaned, because of the tendency of advanced bone disease and chronic cavities for seniors. Many people with advanced dental problems choose to postpone regular dental visits until they are older. Fluoride may be an option for preventing cavities, but it does not cure them. You must follow the directions on the fluoride varnish that you use on your teeth.
The only way to really know if fluoride is needed in your dental cleaning formula is to have your teeth tested by a dental professional. Because fluoride builds up naturally in the human body, your dentist will likely want to make sure that the fluoride content is at an adequate level in your mouth before recommending a fluoride varnish application. If you do need to use fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride-free mouthwash, consult the product literature to see what fluoride treatment to expect.
Even though fluoride is widely used by dental professionals to prevent tooth decay, there are other reasons to include this chemical in your daily dental care. Fluoride has been shown to reduce the incidence of cavities in children. It also decreases the risk of adult tooth decay. Because it is difficult to prevent tooth decay in adults, adding fluoride to your daily dental care can help prevent it from occurring in your life. This is especially true of early adult onset tooth decay that often results from insufficient fluoride intake. By preventing tooth decay and encouraging the growth of healthy dental tissue, fluoride can be a beneficial component of your overall dental care regimen.
Another benefit of regular fluoride use is that it can help to prevent the formation of bone-related diseases like osteoporosis and hip fracture. While fluoride can be an effective treatment against these conditions, it is also a powerful preventive agent against many other diseases and disorders. Fluoride increases the amounts of beneficial bacteria in the mouth that help prevent the formation of harmful pathogens. This combined with the topical effects of fluoride varnish and regular brushing and flossing can go a long way towards protecting your overall dental health.
Fluoride is a vital part of the process of teeth cleaning and removal. You should never neglect this process as it can be a necessary precaution against tooth decay and cavities. If you choose to use fluoride varnish to protect your teeth, make sure you find a quality brand and follow all of the necessary precautions for safe application. The right product will help to minimize the amount of exposure to fluorides throughout the course of your daily dental routine. This can have a positive effect on overall dental health and the overall health of your smile.