Fluoride treatment on a regular basis is essential to maintaining excellent dental health. There are four primary, proven ways to obtain enough fluoride to help prevent cavities and make teeth stronger.
Dental Fluoride Treatments
Patients can go to their dentist and request to have a fluoride treatment done right at the office. This usually consists of fluoride being put into a gel like tray and then the tray is inserted in both the upper and lower teeth sections completely covering all the teeth. Then the dentist lets it remain in place for at least five to seven minutes until all the fluoride has been soaked in by the teeth. This is one of the best methods to receive fluoride treatment. It can be performed every few months.
Fluoride in Toothpastes
Almost every toothpaste, from the least expensive to the priciest, contains fluoride. If a person brushes his teeth on a regular basis, at least two to three times per day, he’ll be getting enough fluoride on his teeth to help them become greatly resistant to cavities of all kinds. He should brush for at least three minutes each time to make sure enough fluoride gets into his teeth. Different brands of toothpastes have different amounts of fluorides. The most expensive brands usually contain the highest amounts.
Fluoride Rinses
Their are special rinses people can buy without a dentist’s prescription that contain liquid fluoride. Some of them are 100% fluoride while others are combined with an antibacterial mouthwash and tooth whitener as well. Each type has it’s own specific taste. They’re often flavored with mint like tastes. The user simply rinses his mouth for one minute with the fluoride rinse then spits it out. He shouldn’t swallow the rinse. These rinses are very effective in helping prevent cavities because they’re immediately absorbed into the teeth themselves.
Fluoride in Drinking Water
In most areas of the country, fluoride is incorporated into the tap water or drinking water that comes out of kitchen faucets. This practice was instituted many decades ago for the sole purpose of helping people prevent cavities before many toothpastes had fluoride protection in them. A person doesn’t have to drink very much tap water on a daily basis to get his recommended minimal levels of fluoride. This type of fluoride is completely safe to swallow. People can also use the fluoride-containing water to cook with and still gain the fluoride benefits that were intended.