Can Fluoride Treatments Fix Cavities?

Fluoride treatments are a common dental practice aimed at preventing tooth decay and strengthening enamel. While fluoride is a powerful tool in the fight against cavities, it does have limitations in treating existing decay. Read more to learn how fluoride treatments can affect the development of cavities.

What Is a Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride is a natural mineral known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Regular exposure to fluoride can make enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods, reducing the risk of cavities.

We often recommend fluoride treatments as a preventive measure during routine dental check-ups. A concentrated fluoride solution is applied to the teeth, helping to remineralize enamel and protect your smile against decay. Fluoride treatments are often effective in stopping the early stages of tooth damage.

Effectiveness of Fluoride in Treating Cavities

While fluoride is a valuable preventive tool, its ability to reverse existing cavities is limited. In some cases, when the cavity is caught early enough, fluoride can play a role in stopping tooth decay. That said, once a cavity has fully formed, the tooth structure cannot be restored by fluoride alone. In the early stages of decay, fluoride may slow down the progression of cavities, but it cannot repair the damaged tooth.

Other Ways to Get Fluoride

As you can tell, fluoride is a great way to stop tooth decay from wreaking havoc on your smile. Brush daily with a fluoride toothpaste to keep cavities at bay, and you can also get fluoride from your local water supply. But don’t overdo it, excessive fluoride can cause discoloration of your smile. Always follow the recommendations of your dentist to avoid unwanted side effects.

Preventive Dentistry in San Antonio, Texas

If you want a healthy smile, don’t underestimate the power of fluoride. Ask the team at Chandler Dental Center about fluoride treatments at your next routine cleaning and exam!

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Categorised in: Cavity Prevention, Fluoride Treatments, Oral Health

This post was written by ChandlerDentalCenter