Why Fluoride?

Modern diets have changed the way we need to care for our teeth in order to keep them healthy.

Sugary snacks and processed, starchy food consumption have increased dramatically in the last six decades. Sugar, starch, and acid create a detrimental environment for the enamel that protects teeth. Bacteria feed on sugars – found in sweets, pastries, bagels, crisps, crackers, cereals, and bread. Once bacteria begin to reproduce, they emit an acidic by-product that softens enamel. Once bacteria reach the inside dentin of a tooth, they can cause rapid decay and deterioration.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel and re-mineralises teeth. Regular fluoride varnish treatments add an extra layer of protection to teeth and help prevent dental decay.

Who Need Fluoride Treatment?

Many children benefit from regular fluoride treatments, but it can be useful for adults, as well – particularly for patients with deep grooves in their teeth or who suffer from gum recession.

If you experience tooth sensitivity regularly or after whitening your teeth, fluoride treatments can reduce sensitivity and make whitening your teeth or eating cold foods more comfortable.

If you would like to find out if you might benefit from regular fluoride treatment, we welcome you to ask at your next appointment or give us a call. 

Many dental conditions are identified by our practitioners through a regular dental exam and a visual inspection of your teeth. A visual inspection only tells part of the story when it comes to your oral health. To see the full picture, make an accurate diagnosis, and recommend available treatment options, we need to identify underlying conditions beneath the surface of your enamel and gums.

What do X-Rays Do?

Digital dental x-rays allow us to identify decay, infection, bone loss, growth patterns, and cysts or tumours that put your oral health at risk. Without x-rays, a dental condition may go undetected for months or years and eventually lead to tooth loss.

We recommend regular dental x-rays so that we can identify any oral conditions in their earliest stages at a time when they are often easier and more affordable to treat. Since we use digital dental x-rays, radiation exposure is minimal and safer for you.

Which X-Rays Are For You?

We may also recommend advanced x-rays to plan for surgery such as dental implant placement or extractions as well as when planning orthodontic treatment. If you have questions about the necessity or safety of dental x-rays, we welcome you to ring our dental clinic and we can discuss your options.