Fluoride Treatment

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is caused by acid-producing bacteria that accumulate around teeth and gums. This harmful, sticky plaque will wreak havoc in your mouth without good oral hygiene and routine visits to your dentist in Houston. Twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing between will help remove this harmful substance. Another effective way to fight cavities is with fluoride treatments.

Fluoride is an important mineral that is proven to prevent dental caries and repair teeth in the early stages of the disease. At Dr. Cabrera Dental Associates in Houston, professional topical fluoride treatments are offered for children or any family member with a moderate to high risk of developing tooth decay. The preparation used by top dentists in Houston is significantly stronger than the concentration included in over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses.

Topical fluoride is directly applied to the enamel; examples include fluoride toothpaste and rinses, and professional fluoride treatments in your Houston dental clinic. Systemic fluorides like fluoridated water and dietary supplements are swallowed. The best defense is achieved when both options are in use.

A professional fluoride treatment typically takes only several minutes. Your dentist in Houston may use either a gel, foam, varnish or some other solution. Fluoride is applied to the teeth with a brush or a cotton swab. It may also be used as a rinse or in a dental tray the held in place for a few minutes. At Dr. Cabrera Dental Associates in Houston, we recommend that you avoid eating, drinking or rinsing for a minimum of 30 minutes following a fluoride treatment. This will allow enough time for the mineral to penetrate and repair potentially carious tooth areas.

Depending on the condition of your oral health, your Houston, Texas dentist may suggest treatments as few as every three months, or more typically, every six to 12 months. Additional preventative measures such as prescription fluoride gel or antibiotic rinses may be necessary if you are at a high risk of developing tooth decay.