The enamel layer of your teeth is made up of densely packed microscopic mineral crystals. Over the course of a single day, acidic foods, beverages and the natural bacteria in your mouth, can cause a microscopic erosion of these minerals. If this process, known as demineralization isn’t countered it can create microscopic pores and channels in your tooth enamel. This makes your teeth prone to issues with tooth decay and sensitivity.
Increased exposure to fluoride helps to restore a microscopic amount of minerals to your tooth enamel. This process is known as remineralization, strengthens tooth enamel and reduces your chances of developing tooth decay and sensitivity problems.
If you aren’t getting adequate fluoride exposure in your average day, Dr. [doctor_name] might suggest a basic fluoride treatment or prescibe fluoride supplements. Common fluoride supplements include sublingual tabs, gels, mouth rinse or a concentrated fluoride toothpaste.
Ingested fluoride supplements should be taken at the prescribed time. In the case of concentrated fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse, it’s best to apply them to your teeth right before going to sleep, or at a time when you can avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the fluoride to deeply penetrate the microscopic pores in your tooth enamel.
All of this is in addition to brushing your teeth with a brand of toothpaste that has added fluoride as part of your oral hygiene.
If you have concerns that you’re not getting enough fluoride in your average day, or you would like to have a fluoride treatment, you should call Dr. [doctor_name] at [phone] to schedule an appointment.