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Fluoride Treatment Portland OR At Hunter Dental Care, we care deeply about your continued oral health. Preventing oral health maladies is the most important part of what we do. If we can prevent things like cavities or gum disease from taking hold of your mouth, we are doing our job right! Of course, most of the preventive measures that you can take to keep your mouth healthy are up to you – things, like brushing and flossing daily, are the most important part of having a healthy mouth. Fluoride treatments are a great way to keep your teeth healthy for the foreseeable future. What is Fluoride?Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that works with the enamel in your teeth to reinforce and strengthen it. Fluoride is naturally found in many water supplies and many food sources including meat, eggs, tea, and fish. Many towns and cities in the US add fluoride to their water supply (at safe levels) to help strengthen the teeth of their citizens. What is Enamel?Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth that acts as a shield against decay-causing bacteria as well as hard substances that you chew up to eat. Enamel protects your teeth from damage and decay. Enamel does not replenish over time and can wear off, especially if you do not take good care of your teeth. Every day the enamel on your teeth gain and lose certain amounts of certain minerals. When minerals are lost, they are said to be experiencing demineralization. When they gain minerals, they are said to be experiencing remineralization. Demineralization occurs when you allow plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth – like when you forget to brush or floss. These bacteria produce acids that eat away at the enamel on your teeth. When you brush your teeth with toothpaste that includes fluoride, you remineralize the enamel on your teeth, helping to revitalize and replenish them. Professional fluoride treatment accomplishes the same thing but in a more significant way. Who Can Benefit from Fluoride Treatments?Everyone can benefit from professional fluoride treatments. That being said, some patients stand to gain much more than others from fluoride treatments. If you live in a rural area and receive your water from a well that doesn’t receive fluoride treatments, you and your family could benefit greatly from fluoride treatments. There are plenty of cities and towns that do not treat their water with fluoride. If you find out that you live in a town that does not treat their water supply with fluoride, you should consider fluoride treatments. Some patients tend to experience cavities at a much higher rate than others; this is usually due to genetic predispositions to oral bacteria. If you have a predisposition to cavities despite a good at-home oral hygiene routine, professional fluoride treatments can help you. Another preventative treatment, dental sealants, are recommended to protect your teeth from the dangers of plaque and tartar. Ask about this treatment during your consultation! Fluoride Treatment is Fast and EffectiveThe process for receiving fluoride treatment takes less than a half hour and can ultimately save your teeth from cavities. Call us today at (503) 256-3737 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing your smile! Frequently Asked Questions How does fluoride treatment work? Fluoride treatment works by applying a concentrated form of fluoride directly to the teeth, which helps to strengthen the enamel. Fluoride penetrates the enamel and promotes the remineralization process, repairing early signs of tooth decay and making the teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars in the mouth. This helps prevent cavities and can even reverse early stages of tooth decay. How often should I get fluoride treatment? The frequency of fluoride treatments depends on your individual risk of developing cavities. Generally, it is recommended to get fluoride treatments every six months during regular dental check-ups, but typically your dentist will assess your specific needs and determine the best schedule for fluoride treatments. |
 Location1739 NE 122nd Ave Portland, OR 97230-1914 HoursMondays & Tuesdays: 7 AM - 3 PM Wednesdays & Thursdays: 8 AM - 5 PM Fridays: Closed |
