Fluoride is a natural mineral, essential to good oral health. Before a baby’s teeth erupt, fluoride in foods, beverages, and supplements builds strong tooth enamel. Then, topical fluoride keeps enamel sturdy and works to reverse early tooth decay. You can get it from fluoride toothpaste, public water, and saliva. Sometimes, though, it isn’t enough. Our team at Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL is here to help with fluoride treatments.
Make fluoride part of your child’s dental hygiene routine
Fluoride treatments can make tooth enamel resistant to mouth acids. Many parents find it beneficial to schedule fluoride treatments as part of their child’s bi-annual cleaning and checkup.
The procedure is fast and painless. Teeth are cleaned and dried. Usually one quadrant at a time is treated with a thin fluoride varnish. It has a pleasant taste and dries quickly. Minerals in the varnish continue to be absorbed by tooth enamel until it is worn away by eating and brushing.
Safe and effective
Topical fluoride treatments do not contribute to fluorosis. This mottled discoloration of tooth enamel is caused by excessive fluoride consumption, usually from self-prescribed supplements.
Fluoride for adults
Many adults can also benefit from dental fluoride treatments. Increased risk factors for tooth decay include:
- Chronic dry mouth, caused by medical conditions or as a side effect of medications.
- Gum disease. It causes gum recession, exposing unprotected root structure that is susceptible to cavity-causing bacteria.
- Dental work. Crowns, bridges, and orthodontics create food traps.
- History of cavities. Adults who need a filling every year or two may benefit from extra fluoride.
You are not alone in the fight against cavities. Call our team at Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL at (309) 663-4711 to learn more about fluoride treatments.
Eastland Dental Center
Eastland Dental Center is owned and operated by the father-daughter duo, Dr. Mike Milligan and Dr. Marisa Milligan.
Dr. Mike completed his doctor of dental medicine degree from Southern Illinois University in 1978. Dr. Marisa completed her doctor of dental medicine degree from Midwestern University in 2015. Both doctors have logged hundreds of hours of continuing education to stay on top of the latest technologies in dentistry as well as the most current research on the oral-systemic, mouth-body connection to benefit their patients. Dr. Mike and Dr. Marisa are active members and in excellent standing with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, McLean County Dental Association, American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, and numerous other societies.
Both doctors are avid golfers and have won several national golf tournaments over the years. They are the only father-daughter team in the state to have won the Illinois State Amateur Golf Championship. Dr. Mike in 1974 and Dr. Marisa in 2005.