Fluoride

Cavities do not appear. They develop over months, through a process that can be slowed or reversed before a drill is ever involved.

Enamel is constantly losing and regaining minerals. Acid from bacteria and food pulls minerals out. Saliva and fluoride put them back. A cavity forms when the losing side wins for long enough.

A professional fluoride treatment is a concentrated varnish applied directly to the teeth after a cleaning. It takes a couple of minutes, and it delivers considerably more fluoride than toothpaste does.

Fluoride treatment is routine for children, whose developing teeth benefit most. It's also worth considering for adults with a history of cavities, gum recession that has exposed root surfaces, dry mouth from medication, orthodontic appliances that are hard to clean around, or frequent snacking.

If you'd rather not have fluoride, say so. There are other approaches to reducing decay risk, including sealants, dietary adjustments, and different home care products. We'd rather have the conversation than have you skip appointments over it.

Whether fluoride is right for you depends on your actual decay risk. Ask at your next hygiene visit and we'll walk through it with you.