Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in certain foods and in water. It is also found in most toothpastes, mouthwashes and professional dental materials or solutions. Fluoride is recommended by dentists due to its effectiveness in strengthening teeth and preventing tooth decay in both children and adults.
When consumed through food or applied during dental treatment, fluoride makes the outer layer of teeth (enamel) more resistant to acid attacks and helps destroy the bacteria that cause cavities.
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How does fluoride protect the teeth?
Fluoride plays a key role in the growth and development of teeth. Even before the appearance of teeth in childhood, it can be assimilated into the body from food, beverages and supplements. After tooth eruption, fluoride continues to benefit teeth by reversing the early symptoms of tooth decay and rebuilding tooth enamel more susceptible to tooth decay. This prevention process is completed by daily brushing, as most modern toothpastes contain fluoride.
What are topical fluoride treatments and how are they done?
Children and adults who have an increased risk of tooth decay may benefit from a topical fluoride treatment.
This type of professional dental treatment is available in our clinic and consists in applying a solution rich in fluoride directly on the surfaces of previously cleaned teeth. This solution could be either a gel, a cream or a varnish. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, is painless, so it does not require anaesthesia.