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Fluoride Treatments |
We believe proper fluoride therapy is a key component to excellent oral health. At 6 month check-ups we provide topical fluoride applications for a children and teenagers to help prevent tooth decay and encourage enamel protection. Furthermore, since Hillsboro water does not contain fluoride, we recommend prescription fluoride drops or tablets to strengthen developing teeth in children.
What is fluoride?Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that has the unique ability to strengthen teeth and promote healthy oral conditions. Experts agree that fluoride is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride is naturally occurring and is often found in natural water supplies and is frequently found in meats, fish, tea, and eggs. Most municipalities in the US add fluoride to the water supply to stimulate healthy teeth. Fluoride is added to most toothpastes, rinses and professional treatments. It is important to consider fluoride treatment for yourself and your children as Hillsboro does not add it to their water supply.
How does fluoride work?Fluoride is naturally absorbed by the enamel (outer protective coating) of your teeth. It enriches and replenishes the enamel, which is important because enamel can be worn off of a tooth over. Think of fluoride like you would think of a vitamin or health supplement - you add it to your body to help your body resist the forces working against it.
The enamel on your teeth goes through a natural process everyday where it loses minerals (demineralization) and gains minerals (remineralization). These processes balance each other and are meant to keep your teeth healthy.
Demineralization occurs thanks to the bacteria that feeds on the sugars present in your mouth from meals. When these bacteria feast on sugars they excrete acid, which dissolves the minerals in the enamel of your teeth. Remineralization builds the balance of minerals back up to acceptable levels in the teeth.
Fluoride becomes important to this process when an excess of sugars enter the diet. Our bodies are not biologically setup to deal with the amount of sugar that we typically intake today. Not only does fluoride bolster the remineralization process, it prevents the bacteria in your mouth from producing nearly as many acids that work against your teeth.
How can fluoride be applied to teeth?It is easy to apply fluoride to teeth and can be applied during routine oral health habits. Fluoride is most typically applied to teeth under the following circumstances:
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When brushing with a toothpaste containing flouride |
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When it is in the water supply and washes over the teeth |
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When you have a professional fluoride treatment from our office in Hillsboro |
Professional Fluoride TherapyAt Hillsboro Dental Center we offer fluoride therapy that can do wonders in terms of long-term protection of teeth for your children. We apply fluoride in the form of a fresh tasting gel that we place in trays that are fitted over your child’s teeth. We supervise the treatment process and after a few minutes has passed we will remove the trays and rinse out their mouth.
Professional fluoride treatment can go a long way in ensuring healthy teeth for a lifetime, so please consider it carefully.
Check Out Our Restorative Offerings!
Please contact us for more information
or to schedule an appointment. |
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Hillsboro Dental Center
Dr. John T. Roberts and Dr. Cheryl Hansen
Partnering with Dr. Philip Cronin
4440 NE Cornell Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-648-3125
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