When Should You Consider Getting Fluoride Treatments?

If you’re interested in keeping your teeth healthy, you might have heard about a number of different treatments–including fluoride treatments–that are touted to keep your teeth in good condition. Keep in mind that while some treatments are meant for cosmetic reasons only, fluoride treatments are actually helpful in keeping teeth healthy by dosing your teeth with soluble fluoride.

Since fluoride is needed to keep the enamel in good condition, it is understandable that tooth decay can be prevented with some fluoride treatments. Oftentimes though, your teeth will not give an indication of loss of fluoride until it is too late. If you are wondering when you should be getting fluoride treatments done, the following are a few conditions and scenarios where getting fluoride treatments are going to greatly benefit you:

Dry Mouth

Whether you naturally have a dry mouth or are experiencing it as a side effect from a certain medication, this can increase the likelihood of teeth decay since there are plenty of food particles that do not get washed away with ease. Due to this, the acid content in the mouth does not get neutralized and can eat away at the enamel.

Gum Disease

A gum disease can also weaken the enamel and make teeth susceptible to developing weakness. Gingivitis can cause weakness in the gums whereas periodontits can cause recession of gums, leaving the root of the tooth exposed. This causes loss of fluoride and increases the rate of tooth decay with ease.

Frequent Cavities

If you’re getting cavities in your teeth pretty frequently, you can greatly benefit from getting a round of fluoride treatments since that might help to keep your teeth better and stronger. With your enamel receiving an extra dose of fluoride, you can effectively strengthen it and ensure that your teeth stay healthy for longer.

Any Dental Work

Dental work such as root canals, braces, crowns or even bridges can greatly strain and weaken the enamel, making it susceptible to tooth decay and erosion of the crown. With fluoride treatments, you can reduce the chances of this happening and strengthen your teeth to be able to bear the strain that this dental work can place on it.

Formation of Grooves or Pits

If your teeth has some weird grooves or pits forming in it, then it might be a distinct sign caused by a lack of fluoride. When grooves form, it is evident to see that the enamel is weakening whereas when a pit is forming, that is when fluoride decay has set in.

In any case, fluoride treatments are not meant to be taken lightly. Administered either in gel or paste form, they are crucial to keeping your teeth healthy and happy. At the end of the day, keep in mind that everyone’s teeth are different, and the amount of fluoride you need can differ based on the condition of your teeth. If you are considering getting fluoride treatments for your enamel, the best option is to get a dental consultation from your dentist.