Fluoride Treatment
Platte City, MO
 We can boost your enamel strength through the application of fluoride in a controlled manner. Enamel is strong, in fact it is stronger than bone, but it is in a constant battle of demineralization from the sugars and bacteria in our mouth. We can boost the remineralization process through the application of fluoride. At Platte Valley Dental Care, we provide a range of preventive measures to help our patients have healthier teeth and gums. Fluoride treatments are just one tool to increase your success. We invite you to learn and take advantage of a variety of preventive tools.
Fluorine is a naturally found element that when blended with sodium is the fluoride we use to strengthen enamel. Studies across decades of research has found that fluoride will help developing teeth form stronger, or it can also strengthen adult teeth. This added layer can help prevent tooth decay and rebuild shallow cavities caused by decay. We can apply a prescription strength fluoride to your enamel following a dental cleaning and exam. In addition, fluoride can be found in oral hygiene products and in foods we consume.
Where can fluoride be found?
Since the discovery of the positive effects of fluoride, it can be found in store bought products, and water supply. It can also be found naturally in some of the foods we consume. We encourage our patients to partake in healthy, appropriate levels of fluoride to have a healthier mouth. This includes fluoride from:
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Store Bought Oral Hygiene Products: Most dental hygiene products including toothpastes and rinses contain trace, appropriate amount of fluoride. This small daily boost is good for your enamel when used as directed.
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Foods and Beverages: There are multiple foods and beverages that naturally contain fluoride including spinach, crab, shrimp, black tea, grape juice, and raisins.
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Tap Water: Many city water supplies have added fluoride to their drinking water. If you drink water from a well, you may not be getting adequate fluoride naturally. Let our dental team know.
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In Office Treatments: We may recommend a fluoride treatment when we spot thin enamel, or children who are developing teeth. In office treatments are more directed treatments used to boost fluoride levels. |
In Office Fluoride Treatments
An in office fluoride treatment is a quick and painless procedure. We most often will recommend them following a dental cleaning or exam when we see areas of thin enamel or for our younger patients who are still growing their teeth. We may apply the fluoride solution through a gel, varnish, rinse, or foam. We will talk you through the easy process, which may include a period of waiting with the application, or may be a quick swish and spit. Following the fluoride application, we will generally ask that you wait for a period of time, usually 30 minutes, before eating or drinking.
Fluoride treatments can be a highly beneficial preventive step. We are happy to answer any concerns or questions that you may have. Recently, some pushback has occurred in fluoride use because it can be overused or used inappropriately. We are happy to review and discuss these concerns with you.
Call Platte Valley Dental Care at (816)858-2027 to schedule your appointment today and prevent gum disease.
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