You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” “Fluoride toothpaste” is ubiquitous for good reason.
Fluoride is an important mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpastes more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the dangerous acid that is formed by bacteria. Dr. Kenneth Hovden may recommend a fluoride treatment in addition to your dental cleaning.
The fluoride used in in-office treatments comes in either a gel or foam, and may be available in several flavors. The fluoride is applied directly to teeth through the use of a plastic dental tray that fits over your teeth. The tray is kept in your mouth for just a few minutes. Fluoride treatments are a quick and painless way to strengthen your teeth and keep an attractive smile.
While many Kenneth Hovden DDS patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments in fortifying developing teeth in children, some do not realize the importance of fluoride for adults. For this reason, fluoride treatments are sometimes recommended to adults who are susceptible to enamel wear or dental cavities.
If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, meet with Dr. Hovden about fluoride supplements. Dr. Hovden will let you know if they are necessary and determine the precise supplement dosage. Don’t give your child fluoride supplements without your dentist’s counsel. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis which discolors teeth and, ironically, can make teeth more susceptible to dental caries.
A factor that impacts the amount of fluoride your kids are receiving is where you get your drinking water. Your children may not need fluoride supplements if they drink tap water from a fluoridated California municipal water supply. If your family only drinks bottled water without fluoride, you may want to consider supplementation. Keep in mind that the FDA does not require bottled water companies to list the fluoride content on the bottle label and many brands sold in the San Francisco area do not contain fluoride.
If your child is getting adequate levels of fluoride but continues to get cavities, meet with Dr. Hovden about dental sealants. They have proven to be very effective at protecting the rear molars from tooth decay.
Dr. Hovden is passionate about preventative dentistry with important twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings that may include a fluoride treatment. Call 650-755-6000 to book an exam and cleaning and be on your way to a healthy, pleasing smile!
Kenneth Hovden DDS is located at 901 Campus Dr Ste 202 in Daly City. We provide trusted dental care with a comprehensive menu of general and cosmetic dental services including restorative dentistry, sleep apnea and snoring and teeth whitening.
Kenneth Hovden is a member of the American Dental Association. You can learn more about American Dental Association at https://www.ada.org/.
Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:
650-755-6000
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015
