Should My Kids and I Get Fluoride?

There’s a lot of conflicting information about fluoride on the internet, so it’s important to ensure that you are making an informed decision based on information provided by a dental professional. Continue reading to learn more about fluoride treatments in San Jose.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that can be naturally found in the earth’s crust, as well as both fresh and saltwater. 

It has proven to be extremely beneficial for improving the strength of the tooth’s outer protective layer which is called enamel. It also helps rebuild early signs of tooth decay.

Between the 1940s and 1970s, numerous studies were conducted on both people who regularly drank fluoridated water and people who did not. It was observed that those who drank fluoridated water generally had better oral health and enamel strength than those who did not.

Since then, adding fluoride to public drinking water has become a regular practice. In many regions all around the country, it is added to drinking water in order to ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of fluoride. However, many parts of the Bay Area does not have fluoride in the water system. It is best to consult your water company to find out if you have fluoride in your water.

Foam Vs. Varnish

Professional fluoride treatments are typically done two different ways; varnish and foam.

Varnish fluoride is painted directly on to the front, back and bottom. It applies as a sticky liquid that hardens when it comes in contact with saliva. The patient does not have to wait to eat or drink, but is asked to refrain from brushing or flossing until the following morning. This allows the fluoride to penetrate the tooth and help harden and strengthen the enamel.

Foam fluoride is sometimes loaded into a tray or placed into the mouth to swish around.. The patient will be asked to close down and wait for a specific amount of time while the fluoride is given the chance to penetrate and strengthen the tooth. Then the fluoride is spit out. There is no eating, drinking or rinsing for about an hour.

It is advised to get this concentrated dose of fluoride at least twice a year to help strengthen the enamel and to help in the prevention of caries. Children should be getting fluoride at least twice a year since new teeth are coming in, they start getting the fluoridation. 

Willow Glen Dental Center: San Jose Dentist

Fluoride is an important part of comprehensive dental care that helps keep the teeth healthy and strong.

Willow Glen Dental Center is proud to offer professional San Jose fluoride treatments for both children and adults. For more information about fluoride treatments in San Jose or to get scheduled for an appointment in our San Jose dental office, give us a call at (408) 266-6144.