Your teeth are covered with a sheath of durable tooth enamel. The mineral density of this enamel is what gives your teeth the ability to chew food and prevent tooth decay.
If you have difficulties maintaining good oral hygiene, the bacteria living in your mouth can gradually erode the mineral content of your tooth enamel. This is even more likely to be an issue if you consume acidic foods and beverages on a regular basis.
In a situation like this, Dr. Amit B. Patel might recommend having a basic fluoride treatment administered. In many cases, this can be done after he has completed your routine dental checkup.
Dr. Amit B. Patel will pour a little bit of concentrated fluoride gel into a tray that is held in your mouth for a few minutes. After the treatment, it’s best to avoid eating or drinking for a half an hour. This will allow the fluoride to fully saturate the surfaces of your tooth enamel.
If your teeth show signs of significant enamel erosion, Dr. Amit B. Patel might also prescribe daily fluoride supplements. Some of the most common forms include sublingual tabs or a concentrated fluoride mouthrinse or toothpaste.
If you’re concerned about the strength of your tooth enamel and you’re interested in learning more about fluoride in Ashburn, Virginia, you should call 703.724.4470 to schedule a checkup with a fluoride treatment at Ashburn General Dentistry.