If used appropriately, fluoride provides significant benefits when it comes to the prevention of tooth decay and cavities. When you visit Montreal dentist at our clinic in Westmount, we do a thorough examination and evaluate whether you are getting enough fluoride to keep your teeth healthy.
Why Is Fluoride Important For Dental Health?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can prevent cavities and reverse tooth decay in both children and adults. Using dental products that contain fluoride helps to remineralize (rebuild) weakened tooth enamel and can reverse early signs of tooth decay. Although some foods and water sources naturally contain fluoride, if you use water from a well or live in an area with unfluoridated water, you may need to supplement your fluoride intake with professional fluoride treatments, specially formulated toothpaste, mouthwash or oral fluoride supplements.
What Are Fluoride Supplements?
Fluoride supplements are usually given to children who are at high risk for dental decay. Dosage varies depending on the child’s age and the amount of fluoride in the water they drink. It’s important to talk with your Montreal dentist about whether fluoride supplements are right for you or your children. When you get too much fluoride, a condition called dental fluorosis can occur. Although it doesn’t affect the function of teeth or cause pain, consuming too much fluoride can cause faint white markings to appear on teeth when young children’s permanent teeth are still forming. That’s why it’s vital to monitor your children’s brushing habits and make sure they learn to spit out toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
Fluoride supplements can only be prescribed by a dentist at your Westmount dental clinic and may come in a pill, lozenge or liquid form. If your Montreal dentist has prescribed fluoride supplements, it’s essential to make sure you do not exceed the prescribed dosage, and keep it in a safe place beyond the reach of children.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of fluoride supplements, our Montreal dentist at our clinic in Westmount is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
