Fluoride Treatments

Creative Dental Concepts of CNY gives patients of all ages outstanding dental care. Their menu of dental services includes cosmetics and restorative care and emphasizes prevention with basics such as cleanings, exams, sealants and fluoride.

Keeping an outstanding smile takes sensible preventative measures as offered by your Syracuse dentist at Creative Dental Concepts of CNY. Twice yearly examinations and cleanings, combined with x-rays as needed, help patients ward off potential problems before they compromise their oral and overall health--and pocketbook, too.

Preventative Fluoride Treatments Strengthen Enamel

Fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral contained in rocks, water and soil, builds stronger tooth enamel by resisting the acids secreted by ordinary oral bacteria. Less acid translates to fewer cavities.

Applied to teeth via toothpaste, treated water, oral rinses, and dentist-applied gels and varnishes, fluoride stops the demineralization of tooth enamel and actually reverses it. Young teeth, between the ages of 6 and 16, respond particularly well to this popular tool of family dentistry, and research shows fluoride remains helpful to tooth enamel throughout the lifespan.

Here’s how fluoride treatments work

Fluoride rebuilds enamel before decay can even be detected by your Syracuse dentist. The calcium and phosphorous always present in saliva work to mineralize enamel. The acids secreted in the mouth when people eat carbohydrates degrade and de-mineralize tooth enamel, softening it and creating the holes called cavities.

Other conditions contribute to softening enamel, too--things such as:

• a history of dental decay
• gum disease
• xerostomia or dry mouth
• multiple restorations such as crowns and fillings
• traditional wire and bracket braces
• bridgework and removable partial dentures

Fluoride, however, helps restore that necessary calcium and phosphorous. Actually, teeth remineralize with the application of fluoride which resides in the enamel, soft oral tissues and even the sticky plaque that collects on tooth surfaces on and in between teeth.

Use of fluoride begins at home

Gregory A. Craybas DDS of Creative Dental Concepts of CNY recommends in-office fluoride treatments for all patients at risk of dental cavities. A simple, quick procedure, a fluoride treatment is added to a patient’s twice yearly check-ups and cleaning routine.

For at-home hygiene, the dentist outlines these simple preventative tips:

1. Use a quality fluoride toothpaste or rinse carrying the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
2. Brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes, and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth.
3. Supervise children as they brush. Apply their fluoride toothpastes in small amounts. For under 3, use a grain of rice-sized amount. For ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount.

Keep your family’s teeth strong and healthy

Maintaining a strong and healthy smile will help you maintain a strong and healthy body. Start protecting your dental and overall health today;schedule your next Syracuse dentist appointment with Central Dental Concepts of CNY.Dr. Craybas sees highly qualified general,cosmetic, and restorative family dentists, now proudly delivering quality care daily to patients of all ages throughout central New York, including Syracuse and the surrounding communities.