Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. It freshens up your breath and removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and along your gums.
A noteworthy aspect of dental cleanings and checkups is the fluoride treatment that occurs at the end of the appointment. Your dentist provides you with fluoride because it helps prevent cavities from forming and damaging your smile. To learn more about receiving fluoride treatment in Saskatoon, reach out to our local dental clinic.
How Cavities Can Arise
Cavities sometimes referred to as dental caries, are small holes that form in or near your tooth. Not only do they pose a threat to the internal structure of your tooth, but if they go untreated, they can spread to your pulp and your bones, leading to deterioration.
Outlined below are some of the most prominent reasons why individuals develop cavities:
- Poor oral hygiene. This typically coincides with infrequent brushing and flossing. More specifically, leaving bacteria to sit on your teeth overnight can damage your smile.
- Not attending regular dental cleanings and checkups.
- Drug use.
- A poor diet. Especially one that’s high in sugar and starch. Desserts and candy, fruit juices, soda, and bread are just a few examples.
- Head and neck radiation.
If you’re unsure whether you have a cavity, a few signs and symptoms that you can keep an eye out for including a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath, a toothache, sensitivity when eating, and redness surrounding your tooth.
People of all ages can experience cavities. That’s why is important to develop good oral habits early on as they’ll serve you well now and in the future.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is derived from a mineral that’s capable of strengthening teeth and warding off cavities. It also helps reinforce the enamel on the surface of your teeth, which is another layer of protection against bacteria.
Your dentist in Saskatoon can administer fluoride in a few different ways.
- As a foamy gel – The fluoride is squirted into identical plastic trays, one for your top row of teeth and one for the bottom.
- As a varnish – The varnish is painted onto your teeth.
- As a liquid – You’ll be asked to swish this around your mouth.
Regardless of how you receive the fluoride, the treatment lasts for approximately one minute. Then you can spit and rinse. And, since fluoride is the final part of your dental cleaning, you’ll be free to go after it’s completed.
If you have any concerns or questions about this process, speak with a dentist in Saskatoon.
Just like dental cleanings and checkups, it’s advised that you receive fluoride at least twice a year. But if you’re dealing with more extensive dental issues, you may be asked to come in for treatment more frequently.
Although it’s derived from a mineral, whatever form of fluoride you’re given is typically made from sodium fluoride or acidulated phosphate fluoride. Each of these mixtures encourages teeth to be brighter and healthier.
Did you know that fluoride is found naturally in certain food and drinks? Baby formula, fishbones, tea, and water all contain fluoride. In addition, many kinds of toothpaste also contain fluoride. If you’re interested in gathering more information about fluoride, visit our dental clinic in Saskatoon. Our staff is here to help you with whatever you need.
Looking to Receive Fluoride Treatment in Saskatoon?
At Mount Royal Dental, it doesn’t matter if you’re a new patient or coming back to visit us, we provide this preventive treatment to all our patients. To set up an appointment, visit our website and fill out the online form, give us a call, or stop by in person. Our dental staff can’t wait to work with you and your family!