How Does Fluoride Varnish Helps To Prevent Caries?

The natural mineral fluoride can help to build strong teeth to prevent cavities. For decades it has been an essential oral health remedy because it supports healthy tooth enamel and battles the bacteria that can harm the teeth and gums. The outer layer of each tooth is the enamel which acts as a protective layer on the tooth.

Fluoride is particularly beneficial if you are at a higher risk of developing dental caries or cavities. Cavities develop when you allow bacteria to accumulate on your teeth and gums in a sticky layer called plaque. This can produce acids that can erode the teeth and gum tissue. When the plaque breaks down the enamel the bacteria begin infecting and harming the nerves and blood at the center of the tooth.

Dentists can provide highly concentrated fluoride rinses in professional fluoride treatments to help prevent caries. These treatments have more fluoride than is available in toothpaste or water and only require a few minutes to apply. You will be requested not to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after the procedure to allow the fluoride to be absorbed.

The best way of getting fluoride is from dietary sources like water, teeth, infant formula, food cooked in water, and fish eaten with bones. However, dentists along with the American Dental Association recommend professional fluoride varnish treatments at the dentist's office every three, six or 12 months depending on the condition of your oral health. Your dentist may also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or gel for use regularly at home if you are at a high risk of developing dental caries.

Fluoride functions by restoring minerals to the surface of the tooth where bacteria would have eroded the enamel. It can also prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and inhibit the development of caries.

Decay will not be removed by fluoride but while creating a stronger outer surface for your teeth it can help to stop the decay from entering into the deeper parts of the teeth. The benefits of fluoride can be had both by children and adults. Children who receive fluoride treatments and adolescents for a period of one year are approximately 43% less likely to develop the problem of tooth decay and cavities.

People regularly having fluoridated tap water are also less likely to develop cavities but can nevertheless receive fluoride varnish treatments from dentists like Dr. Vinit Shah for additional protection.