Dental Fluoride Treatments

Your teeth have a naturally protective outermost layer called enamel. This enamel is composed of hard minerals that protect the inner structures of the teeth from the harsh forces of biting and chewing. Over time, the enamel can wear away, exposing the sensitive underlying nerves of the teeth.

Fluoride comes from fluorine, a naturally occurring element found in coal, rocks and clay. Certain fluorides, like sodium fluoride, are useful in preventing tooth decay. Water fluoridation was instituted in the United States in the 1940s, after scientists discovered that communities with naturally occurring fluoride in the water experienced less tooth decay.

A fluoride treatment, performed by a dentist, can help individuals who are at a moderate or high risk of developing tooth decay. A dental fluoride treatment has a higher concentration of fluoride and can help further fortify your teeth against damaging bacteria.

For children or adults at high risk of developing dental caries, fluoride treatments can be performed every six months or even once per quarter. For lower-risk patients, one treatment per year may be sufficient.