Fluoride Treatments: Not Just For Kids

fluoride treatment Monkton

At Hereford Dental Health in Monkton,we recommend fluoride toothpaste for our patients. As a team passionate about general, family and cosmetic dentistry, your oral health is important to us.

Fluoride is an essential 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 acid that is formed by bacteria. Our dental team may recommend a fluoride treatment in addition to your dental cleaning.

Office Treatments

The fluoride used in office treatments comes in either a gel or foam, and may be available in several flavors. We apply it directly to your 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 simple and painless way to strengthen your teeth and maintain an attractive smile.

While many Hereford Dental Health patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments in fortifying developing teeth in children, some do not realize the importance of fluoride for adults. We may recommend fluoride treatments to adults who are more susceptible to enamel wear or decay.

Fluoride Supplements for Children

If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, meet with Dr. Longenecker about fluoride supplements. Dr. Longenecker 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 advice. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis which discolors teeth and, ironically, can make teeth more susceptible to decay.

Drinking Water

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 Maryland 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 Parkton area do not contain fluoride.

If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, speak with our team about dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from cavities.

The team at Hereford Dental Health, serving the Monkton, Sparks and Parkton area, is enthusiastic about good oral health which includes twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings.

At Hereford Dental Health in Monkton, our services include general and family dentistry, and a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services. Schedule an appointment with us today.

 

Contact Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS:

410-357-0099

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

16928 York Rd
Monkton, Maryland
21111

 

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