Dental Fluoride Treatments In Sterling VA

Fluoride Treatments in Sterling, VA

Do you need a dentist who provides general dentistry and fluoride treatment in Sterling, VA, schedule an appointment with PK Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today! You can reach us at 703-421-8988.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that protects tooth decay by protecting the enamel. Children typically require fluoride treatments to help prevent decay and other dental issues later in life. Without fluoride to protect enamel, gum disease or root canal treatment are more likely.

Where can fluoride be found?

Fluoride is found in water sources and some foods:

• Raw fruit
• Crab
• Shrimp
• Potatoes
• Grapes

Some municipal water supplies in Sterling add fluoride to their drinking water. If your water does not contain fluoride, you may need other fluoride treatments like toothpaste, mouth rinses, or in-office treatments. Always check for the American Dental Association seal of approval when purchasing at-home products.

How does fluoride help prevent tooth decay?

Periodic fluoride treatments are necessary for preventive dental care to protect children and adults against dental decay.

Fluoride is not a silver bullet against cavities—fluoride cannot undo the damage that sugar causes to teeth after it has already formed acid and caused decay. Fluoride remineralizes the enamel to prevent tooth decay.

Fluoride Treatment Options in Sterling, VA

Your child can get fluoride in two ways:

Systemic fluoride

Systemic fluoride is ingested, usually through your public water supply. While your child’s teeth are forming under the gums, the fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to cavities.

Topical fluoride

A dental hygienist can apply topical fluoride at a dental checkup or home, and this can be a gel, toothpaste, or rinse.

Our dentist may recommend professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons:

• Deep pits or fissures in the chewing surfaces of teeth
• Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
• Frequent intake of sugary snacks or carbohydrates
• Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
• Inadequate exposure to fluorides
• Insufficient saliva flow due to medical conditions or medications
• Recent history of dental decay

When is fluoride intake most crucial?

Fluoride intake is crucial for infants and children from six months to sixteen years when primary and permanent teeth erupt. Many children struggle to brush and floss regularly and thoroughly, and fluoride treatment can help protect their teeth.

Adults also benefit from fluoride intake to prevent decay and keep teeth healthy. In addition, patients with specific dental needs may be more at risk of dental decay and would benefit from fluoride treatment. This includes patients with:

• dry mouth conditions
• gum disease
• history of frequent cavities or broken teeth
• restorations such as tooth-colored fillings, crowns, and bridges, or braces

Our team in Sterling, Virginia, works with our patients to execute the best treatment plan for healthy teeth. We believe that quality dental care includes a personal touch and compassion for our patients.

Risks Associated With Fluoride

Though fluoride effectively prevents cavities and decay, monitoring the fluoride a child consumes is essential. If your child ingests too much fluoride while the teeth are developing, a condition called enamel fluorosis may occur to your child’s teeth.

It is difficult to reach this hazardous level; however, if you have concerns about the amount of fluoride you or your child may be ingesting, talk with our dentist in Sterling, VA.

A few helpful reminders:

• Keep store-bought supplements away from young children.
• Avoid flavored toothpaste because these tend to encourage it to be swallowed.
• Finally, use only a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste.

The fluoride added to water supplies is carefully regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For adults between 19-50 years of age, fluoride exposure should not exceed 4 milligrams per day.

Contact Us Today!

Your child’s oral and dental health is important to us. We are committed to providing the highest quality dental care to our patients in Sterling.

If fluoride treatments interest you or have other questions about dental treatment options, call PK Dentistry at 703-421-8988.

PK Dentistry is proud to be your family dentist in Sterling, VA. We can’t wait to meet you!