You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” “Fluoride toothpaste” is ubiquitous for good reason.
Fluoride is an important mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpastes 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. Lynn R. Blaisdell 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 relatively simple and painless way to strengthen your teeth and keep an attractive smile.
While many Blaisdell Family Dentistry 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 tooth decay.
If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, meet with Drs. Blaisdell about fluoride supplements. Drs. Blaisdell will let you know if they are necessary 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 tooth decay.
A factor that impacts the amount of fluoride your children are receiving is where you get your drinking water. Your children may not need fluoride supplements if they drink tap water from a fluoridated Idaho municipal water supply. If your family only drinks bottled water without fluoride, you may want to consider 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 Boise area do not contain fluoride.
If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, talk to Drs. Blaisdell about useful dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from decay.
Dr. Blaisdell is devoted to preventative dentistry with important twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings that may include a fluoride treatment. Call 208-377-9696 to book an exam and cleaning and be on your way to a healthy, nice smile!
Blaisdell Family Dentistry is located at 8877 W Hackamore Dr in Boise. We provide quality dental care with a comprehensive menu of general and cosmetic dental services including porcelain veneers, prepless veneers and porcelain veneers.
Lynn R. Blaisdell is a member of the KOIS. You can learn more about KOIS at http://koiscenter.com/.
Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:
208-377-9696
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709
