Fluoride Treatment Can Strengthen Your Tooth Enamel

As you go about your day, the bacteria living in your mouth and the acidic foods and beverages you consume can weaken your tooth enamel. Over time, this process, which is known as demineralization, can erode the mineral structure of your teeth, creating microscopic areas that can harbor tooth decay and lead to sensitivity problems.

Exposing your teeth to fluoride helps restore this erosion with a process known as remineralization. This can strengthen tooth enamel, reverse sensitivity issues and prevent bacteria from exploiting the area and forming cavities.

If you’ve struggled with chronic tooth decay and sensitivity issues, your dentists, Dr. Kaveen Ranasinghe might recommend getting a basic fluoride treatment. In many cases, the treatment can be performed after they has completed your routine dental checkup.

For the treatment, Dr. Kaveen Ranasinghe will pour a little bit of concentrated fluoride gel into trays that are held in your mouth for a few minutes. Afterward, you should avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the fluoride to deeply penetrate into your tooth enamel.

If your teeth suffer from significant demineralization issues, Drs. Kaveen Ranasinghe might also prescribe you daily fluoride supplements. Some of the most common forms of supplements include sublingual tabs or concentrated fluoride mouth rinse or toothpaste.

If you have concerns about the strength of your tooth enamel, you might want to call Portland Dental at (503) 221-8123 to set up a fluoride treatment in Portland, Oregon.