You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” “Fluoride toothpaste” is ubiquitous for good reason.
Fluoride is a critical mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpaste more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the harmful acid that is formed by bacteria. Dr. Richard Kernagis may recommend a fluoride treatment in addition to your dental cleaning.
The fluoride used in in-office treatments comes in either a gel or foam and may be available in several flavors. The fluoride is applied directly to teeth through the use of a plastic dental tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is kept in your mouth for just a few minutes. Fluoride treatments are a fairly simple and painless way to strengthen your teeth and maintain an attractive smile.
While many Your Time Dental Urgent Care patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments in fortifying developing teeth in children, some do not realize the importance of fluoride for adults. For this reason, fluoride treatments are sometimes recommended to adults who are susceptible to enamel wear or tooth decay.
If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, communicate with Dr. Kernagis about fluoride supplements. Dr. Kernagis will let you know if they are required and determine the precise supplement dosage. Don’t give your child fluoride supplements without your dentist’s counsel. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis which discolors teeth and, ironically, can make teeth more susceptible to decay.
A factor that impacts the amount of fluoride your kids are receiving is where you get your drinking water. Your children may not need fluoride supplements if they drink tap water from a fluoridated Florida municipal water supply. If your family only drinks bottled water without fluoride, you may want to think about supplementation. Keep in mind that the FDA does not require bottled water companies to list the fluoride content on the bottle label and many brands sold in the Tampa area do not contain fluoride.
If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, speak with Dr. Kernagis about helpful dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from tooth decay.
Dr. Kernagis is committed to preventative dentistry with vital twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings that may include a fluoride treatment. Call 813-519-0128 to book an exam and cleaning and be on your way to a healthy, attractive smile!
Your Time Dental Urgent Care is located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton. We provide trusted dental care with a comprehensive menu of general and cosmetic dental procedures including urgent dental care, emergency dental care, and urgent dental care.
Richard Kernagis is a member of the American Dental Association. You can learn more about American Dental Association at https://www.ama-assn.org.
Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care
Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B
Gibsonton, FL 33534
Call: 813-519-01285486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B
Lithia, FL 33547
FishHawk Phone: 813-519-0128
