Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is essential for protecting tooth enamel in both children and adults. Even if you regularly brush your teeth and use fluoride toothpaste, it’s still important to receive a professional fluoride treatment with each dental exam. 

At Minnesota Periodontal Associates, we incorporate these treatments into regular hygiene appointments to help our patients, with high risk of decay,  maintain their oral health. They are an essential component of preventative dentistry.

Why is Fluoride Treatment Important?

Fluoride acts as a protective agent that strengthens tooth enamel. The enamel of teeth is what protects them against decay and developing cavities over time. The stronger and more protected your enamel, the lower your risk of dental cavities and needing treatment like a dental filling or root canal treatments.

Fluoride also protects enamel from acids in foods and drinks. If you regularly consume beverages like coffee, soda or alcohol, you have a greater risk for acid breaking down your enamel. In this case, our team at Minnesota Periodontal Associates may recommend a treatment for you during your next appointment.

Time is key for developing a protective fluoride layer on your teeth. This is why it’s so important to regularly brush your teeth twice a day and take care of your oral health outside of the dentist’s office.

What Happens During Fluoride Treatment?

The fluoride treatment we administer at Minnesota Periodontal Associates is a much higher concentration than what is in the toothpaste you’d use at home. As dental health professionals, we are experienced in safely applying these treatments.

Treatments often come in gel, foam or as a varnish. We will apply this material directly to your teeth for a set amount of time and then clean it off. The entire process is very quick, and due to the higher levels of fluoride in our in-office materials, has long-lasting benefits for protecting your smile.

Depending on the state of your enamel, we may suggest special forms of at-home care alongside regular brushing and flossing, too.