When experiencing tooth decay, it can be painful, lead to an infection or even tooth loss. Luckily, if you want to protect your smile from tooth decay, there is a way!
What Is Tooth Decay?
A cavity is a less formal term for tooth decay. When you have a cavity, it can break down the tooth from the acid made by bacteria in the mouth. When this happens, you may need a tooth filling.
Cavities can occur when you don’t follow a good oral hygiene routine, such as brushing and flossing. Cavities can also happen when you drink many sugary drinks, constantly eat sweet snacks, or have experienced dental trauma that exposed the tooth enamel.
Tooth Decay Protection
When tooth decay is detected early, fluoride treatment can help the enamel, the tooth’s surface, repair itself. Fluoride can even reverse the beginning signs of tooth decay.
Fluoride treatment is a safe and effective way to protect your teeth. You don’t even need to have tooth decay to get fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatment can also be a preventative measure and protection against future tooth decay.
Fluoride Treatment Process
The fluoride treatment process is short and painless. When you decide to get treatment, your teeth will get dried with gauze or cotton to ensure the fluoride varnish will stick to the teeth.
A small brush that is typically electric will coat the entirety of the teeth. This brush may make a whirring sound, but be assured that it’s placing the varnish coat evenly to protect your teeth!
Then, the treatment is complete, and you can eat and drink after 30 minutes. During this time, the varnish will harden with your saliva, allowing protection to the teeth.
Fluoride Treatment at Overland Park Family Dental
Do you feel minor pain when biting down? Or do you want to take an extra step in protecting your smile from tooth decay? If so, you’re welcome to contact our team to get an appointment set up. At Overland Park Family Dental, we also provide teeth cleanings and exams, which is a great way to detect tooth decay early!