It may surprise you to learn that the strongest substance in your body is your tooth enamel. But that enamel can be worn away over time by the ingredients in your drinks, meals and snacks, putting you at risk for dental health problems. Our dentists and team can keep your smile strong with fluoride treatments in Silver Spring, Maryland. If you are concerned about the health of your smile, call Smile Loft Dental at Hillandale at 301-445-5821 for an appointment with Dr. Kashyap Patel or Dr. Priya Patel.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and can be found in many foods as well as many local water supplies. You receive a certain amount of fluoride from your diet and from using fluoridated toothpaste when brushing your teeth, but sometimes, additional care is needed to help strengthen and protect your teeth. If this is the case for you, our dentist in Silver Spring can provide you with a professional fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth from cavities.
As you go about your day, the foods and drinks you consume cause bacteria, sugars and acids to attack and demineralize the enamel of your teeth, gradually wearing your teeth down and eventually leading to the development of cavities. Fluoride works by remineralizing your tooth enamel so that it can more effectively resist decay-causing factors. Fluoride is also important for children, as it helps strengthen teeth as they develop so that they remain strong and healthy in adulthood.
Fluoride treatments can be provided in just a few minutes as part of your regular dental visits. Our dentists will check your mouth during your exams to see if your teeth are at greater risk of tooth decay and will recommend fluoride treatments as needed. This preventive treatment is available for both children and adults, and it may come in the form of a gel, varnish or foam.
To schedule an appointment with our dentists and learn more about the benefits of fluoride treatment, please contact our office today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fluoride treatment is a quick, professional application of a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish that strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against cavities.
Fluoride helps remineralize weak spots in your enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay and reducing your risk of cavities over time.
These treatments are recommended for both children and adults, especially if you’re at higher risk for tooth decay or have signs of enamel wear.
Your dentist will suggest a schedule based on your oral health, but many patients benefit from fluoride at regular checkups, such as every 3–6 months.
No — fluoride treatments are painless and only take a few minutes as part of your dental visit.
Your dentist may ask you to wait a short time before eating or drinking so the fluoride can fully absorb and provide maximum protection.