February 27, 2022

Your dentist in Pekin, IL, mentioned fluoride treatments, but you shrugged it off, thinking that fluoride is just for children. Well, it’s not. Studies show that fluoride treatments are also beneficial for adults because of their amazing effects on your teeth. Fluoride is a form of mineral that can be found in certain foods and water. Your teeth add and lose minerals every day in a process called demineralization and remineralization.  

Plaque on your teeth produces acids that cause demineralization. The minerals lost due to enamel erosion can be replenished from the foods you consume and drinking fluoridated water. Tooth decay will ensue if there’s too much demineralization and not enough remineralization. To avoid this, dentists recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to acid attacks caused by plaque.  

toothbrush with toothpaste Dentist pekin, IL

How Can Your Teeth Benefit from Fluoride Treatments?  

Enamel Protection  

Fluoride is known to protect your enamel by making them stronger. However, did you know that certain beverages, especially those highly acidic, are bad for your teeth as they cause the enamel to break down prematurely? When your enamel starts wearing away, your teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.  

Examples of drinks containing high amounts of acids are orange juice, grape juice, lemon juice, apple juice, tomato juice, and other fruit juices. Besides limiting your consumption of acidic drinks, it also helps if you brush your teeth using a toothpaste brand that’s fluoride-based.  

Replenishes Minerals  

Acids are harmful because they also destroy the minerals found in your teeth, such as phosphorous and calcium, aside from breaking down your enamel. When the protective layer of your teeth is compromised, your teeth become vulnerable to damage. Losing important minerals can lead to a plethora of oral health problems. Luckily, fluoride can reverse the damage by adding minerals to your teeth (remineralization).  

Cavity and Tooth Decay Prevention  

Your mouth is brimming with bacteria. When you consume food and drinks that contain sugars and starches, the bacteria in your mouth will release acids. Over time, the acids will gradually destroy and break down your enamel. When your enamel continues to break down, the results are cavity formation and tooth decay. The best way to fight cavities is to strengthen your teeth with fluoride.  

Saves You Money  

If you want to save money on costly dental treatments, we suggest taking your fluoride treatments seriously. This form of preventive dental care will help strengthen your teeth so they can withstand erosion, cavities, and tooth decay. Although you can get fluoride from your food, we still recommend you supplement with fluoride treatments from your dentist.  

woman putting toothpaste on toothbrush Dentist pekin, IL

Are You Looking for a Dentist in Pekin, IL, Who Offers Fluoride Treatments?  

While it’s true that kids need fluoride to fend off cavities, it’s also true that adults need it just as much. So even though your teeth are strong, it doesn’t hurt to make them stronger by replenishing lost minerals through fluoride treatments at the dental office.  

At Smalltown Dental, we understand how vital preventive dental care is, which is why we offer affordable fluoride treatments for all ages to help preserve the integrity and beauty of your teeth. Our team has the experience and knowledge to provide safe, efficient, and effective dental treatments. Call us today for an appointment.

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