Fluoride Treatment In El Segundo, CA

You can speak with a Dr. Smile expert in El Segundo about how to prevent decay in your teeth. A dental professional can provide you with several ways to keep teeth healthy and keep plaque from building up on teeth, including fluoride treatment for adults. A professional fluoride treatment dentist reinforces the balance of minerals both in your teeth and in your saliva, which strengthens the enamel and helps prevent decay from developing.

Fluoride – What Is It?

While patients may receive fluoride treatments often, they may not know what fluoride is. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in water, soil, and rocks. When fluoride is applied to teeth, it strengthens the enamel of the teeth and fights cavities. Fluoride does not work on its own, however – you will need to maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing each day and visiting your dentist twice a year.

How Fluoride Prevents Cavities

Your tooth is covered by a hard covering known as the enamel. It’s made of calcium and phosphate, which are minerals also present in the saliva. The minerals in your saliva are constantly replenishing the ones in your teeth, keeping them strong and healthy. When someone eats sugars or starches, these substances turn into acids and upset the balance of minerals in the saliva. These acids cause plaque to develop, which is thin and sticky coating that eats away at the enamel and causes decay.

If fluoride is ingested or applied to teeth, it reinforces the enamel and defends your teeth against the effects of decay.

Fluoride Treatments from Your Dentist

You can visit your dentist near you and inquire about fluoride treatments at your dental visit. You can also find fluoride in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwashes. Make sure that any product you use is ADA approved and safe for your teeth. Children will often get fluoride treatments at the dentist to ensure that their teeth grow in healthy and strong.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of fluoride and how it can improve your oral health, visit Dr. Smile in El Segundo.