Fluoride Treatment in Traverse City, MI

Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in a variety of foods that works to strengthen enamel and prevent decay by making the teeth more resistant to sugars and plaque in the mouth. Modern acidic diets can erode the enamel on the teeth at a rate too aggressive for the naturally occurring fluoride to counteract. Board-certified dentist, Dr. Phillip Yancho offers fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and repair deterioration for his patients at Yancho Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Traverse City, MI. The fluoride preparation used by Dr. Yancho is a stronger concentration than the amount found in toothpastes and mouth rinses. The entire procedure usually takes just a few minutes in the dental office as the treatment is applied to the teeth. Fluoride treatments are typically used to help developing teeth, in children from 6 months to 16 years old, but adults with damaged or weakened teeth may also benefit from fluoride treatments.

Professional fluoride treatments are usually given every 6 months at the patient’s regular cleaning. The dentist may use acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) or neutral sodium fluoride, depending on the condition of the patient’s mouth. The fluoride treatment may be given as a gel, foam, or varnish that is applied to dried, clean teeth for 1 – 4 minutes. Due to the high concentration of fluoride in professional treatments, patients should never swallow any of the fluoride.

Patients should not eat, drink, or smoke for at least 30 minutes to allow the treatment time to fully penetrate the enamel. If any fluoride is swallowed, the patient may become nauseous, but when used properly, professional fluoride treatments are safe and effective. Patients may talk to their dentist about home fluoride treatments if they are at high risk for tooth decay.

Patients with developing teeth or who are at higher risk for developing tooth decay and dental cavities, should ask their dentist about professional fluoride treatments during their regular exam and cleaning. Your dentist can help you determine if a professional fluoride treatment is right for you and if further precautions, like prescription home fluoride treatments will improve your dental health.