The Importance of Fluoride for Strong Teeth

You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” At Coleman & Dastrup – Dentistry Elevated, we know “fluoride toothpaste” is ubiquitous for good reason!

Fluoride is a key mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpaste more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the detrimental acid that is formed by bacteria. Dr. Dennis Coleman may recommend a fluoride treatment in addition to your dental cleaning.

The fluoride used in in-office treatments comes in either a gel or foam and may be available in several flavors. The fluoride is applied directly to teeth through the use of a plastic dental tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is kept in your mouth for just a few minutes. Fluoride treatments are a fairly simple and painless way to strengthen your teeth and maintain an attractive smile.

While many Coleman & Dastrup – Dentistry Elevated patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments in fortifying developing teeth in children, some do not realize the importance of fluoride for adults. For this reason, fluoride treatments are sometimes recommended to adults who are susceptible to enamel wear or cavities.

If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, talk to Doctor Coleman about fluoride supplements. Doctor Coleman will let you know if they are needed and determine the precise supplement dosage. Don’t give your child fluoride supplements without your dentist’s counsel. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis which discolors teeth and, ironically, can make teeth more susceptible to cavities.

A factor that impacts the amount of fluoride your kids are receiving is where you get your drinking water. Your children may not need fluoride supplements if they drink tap water from a fluoridated North Carolina municipal water supply. If your family only drinks bottled water without fluoride, you may want to examine supplementation. Keep in mind that the FDA does not require bottled water companies to list the fluoride content on the bottle label and many brands sold in the Mooresville area do not contain fluoride.

If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, talk to Doctor Coleman about helpful dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from tooth decay.

Dr. Coleman is dedicated to preventative dentistry with important twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings that may include a fluoride treatment. Call 704-896-5850 to book an exam and cleaning and be on your way to a healthy, attractive smile!

We provide quality dental care with a comprehensive menu of general and cosmetic dental care including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry.