Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments aim to prevent dental decay by fortifying teeth against plaque and bacteria, promoting enamel remineralization, and halting acid production.

Fluoride can be obtained naturally through water sources or applied medically in various forms, such as over-the-counter toothpaste, gel, foam, varnish, and mouth rinses. There are also liquid or tablet supplements.

However, stronger concentrations of fluoride require a medical prescription and must be administered by a certified dentist like Dr. Ferguson.

Several types of fluoride treatments are available at Black Point Dental, including:

1. Topical fluoride treatments: These treatments are applied directly to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. They contain a higher concentration of fluoride than in toothpaste or drinking water and can help prevent tooth decay and strengthen enamel.

2. Systemic fluoride treatments: These treatments are ingested as a fluoride supplement or through fluorinated drinking water. Systemic fluoride treatments can help strengthen teeth from the inside out and are especially beneficial for children whose teeth are still developing.

3. Prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste: This type of toothpaste contains a higher fluoride concentration than over-the-counter toothpaste. It is often recommended for people at high risk for tooth decay, such as those with a history of cavities or gum disease.

4. Fluoride mouthwash: This type of mouthwash contains a small amount of fluoride and is used to help strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.

Dr. Ferguson can help determine which type of fluoride treatment is best for you based on your individual needs and oral health history.

Fluoride treatment offers several benefits for oral health, including:

• Preventing tooth decay: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugary foods and drinks.
• Reversing early signs of tooth decay: In some cases, fluoride treatment can help reverse the early stages of tooth decay by remineralizing areas of the tooth that have been weakened by acid.
• Protecting teeth from future decay: Regular fluoride treatment can help to protect teeth from future decay and reduce the need for more invasive dental procedures, such as fillings and root canals.
• Strengthening developing teeth: Fluoride is especially important for children whose teeth are still developing, as it can help to strengthen the enamel and protect against decay.
• Supporting oral health: Fluoride treatment can help support overall oral health by reducing the risk of gum disease, improving bad breath, and promoting healthy teeth and gums.

Overall, fluoride treatment is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health.

Fluoride treatments are typically recommended by dentists for both children and adults as a preventive measure against tooth decay. The frequency of fluoride treatments will depend on several factors, including your oral health, risk of developing tooth decay, and age.

Children are generally more susceptible to tooth decay and often receive fluoride treatments as part of their routine dental care. For children, fluoride treatments are recommended every six months to a year, depending on their risk of developing cavities.

For adults, the frequency of fluoride treatments will depend on their individual needs. Those at a higher risk of developing tooth decay may benefit from more frequent treatments, while others may only need treatments once a year.

An ideal candidate for fluoride treatment is anyone who wants to prevent tooth decay and promote overall oral health. This includes children, teenagers, and adults at risk of developing cavities or having a history of dental issues.

Fluoride treatment is generally safe and effective when used in appropriate amounts. However, excessive intake of fluoride can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which can cause white spots or streaks on the teeth.

In rare cases, high doses of fluoride can cause nausea or vomiting. Therefore, it is important to follow the dentist's instructions regarding the amount of fluoride to be used.

At Black Point Dental in Honolulu, HI, we are committed to providing our patients with personalized preventative dental care, including fluoride treatment.

If you need a fluoride treatment or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ferguson, please call us at (808) 955-5922 or request an appointment online. Our team is here to help you maintain healthy and functional teeth.