Dentists Downington PA

Local Dentists Downington PA Residents Love Tell All About Fluoride

Fluoride, a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust, has shown to prevent dental caries in teeth, especially children whose teeth are currently developing.

As some of the best dentists Downington PA offers, Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Dunn at Chester County Family Dentistry want you to know about the role of fluoride in your dental routine.

When mouth bacteria combines with sugars it produces an acid that erodes tooth enamel and damages the teeth. This enamel is composed of mineral crystals, which are important for the health of your teeth. The damage that occurs is actually your teeth losing the minerals that make up the enamel. This is called demineralization.

Restoration for teeth consists of adding these minerals back into the body’s system allowing the teeth to once again gain minerals, also known as remineralization.

The most common mineral used for remineralization is fluoride. Fluoride in the bloodstream becomes a part of the developing teeth in children, further strengthening the enamel. It also becomes a strengthening agent in the saliva, producing a shield to the naturally occurring acids from bacteria and food.

Fluoride is available through a variety of methods.

• Fluoridated Water

  Surprisingly, your drinking water most likely contains a healthy amount of fluoride for remineralization. The U.S. began adding fluoride to public water systems in hope of diminishing dental caries within children.

• Topical Treatments

  Topical fluoride treatments, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, are a simple daily method for achieving a greater amount of cavity protection for you and your family. Downington, PA dentists recommend children over the age of 3 use a fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen developing teeth.

• Professional Treatments

  Professional fluoride treatments offer a higher concentration of fluoride for those with significant enamel weakening. These treatments are offered by many dentists Downington PA residents visit; however, it’s important that the dentist who treats you knows the proper amounts to use, as too much fluoride can be detrimental.

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  Fluoride Supplements

  Fluoride supplements are also available, though these supplements are most often saved for those with serious dental caries and demineralization. They are only available through a prescription from your local dentist.

Find out more information about strengthening your teeth from one of the best dentists Downington PA offers, Chester County Family Dentistry. Schedule your appointment to receive our laser-cavity diagnosis and start your fluoride treatments today.