San Francisco and Marin CA
Fluoride has been a staple in the field of dentistry for decades. At Glen Park Dental, we use fluoride treatments to provide additional defense against cavities and tooth decay, as part of our available procedures in the spectrum of preventive care.
How does fluoride work?
Fluoride is a mineral that interacts with the calcium and minerals that already exist in your mouth and saliva, helping to safeguard against decay. Fluoride also serves to harden and re-mineralize many of the small imperfections that develop in tooth surfaces.
Is fluoride right for me?
We recommend fluoride treatments for children to help protect them against tooth decay as their teeth develop. However, patients of any age can benefit from the positive effects of fluoride treatments.
Fluoride never should be considered a replacement for regular brushing and flossing, or for the professional cleanings performed by your dentist and dental hygienist.
Glen Park Dental also recommends fluoride treatments for the following patients:
- Individuals whose water source is non-fluoridated, or who regularly consume well water or distilled water
- Individuals who cannot make regular trips to the dentist because of cost, travel, or other mitigating factors
What types of fluoride treatments are available?
In-office: These treatments can be administered in only a few minutes. Patients should not rinse their mouth, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes after receiving a fluoride treatment.
Custom tray: Suggested for patients with an especially high risk of tooth decay, these treatments can be administered at home. We use impressions of the mouth to construct our home fluoride trays, making for a perfect, snug fit in the mouth so that a maximum amount of tooth surface receives the fluoride.
Fluoride also can be found in many brands of toothpaste. Just look for any brand that carries the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance on the packaging. All products with the ADA seal have been examined by that association and approved for both safety and effectiveness.
Want to learn more about fluoride, or any of the other preventive care treatments we offer? Contact our office at (415) 585-1500 to schedule an appointment.
Glen Park Dental provides comprehensive, compassionate, quality oral health care for patients in the areas of San Francisco and Marin California.
