Flouride (Anti-cavity) and Tooth Sensitivity Treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth’s enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth’s enamel layer when acids — formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth — attack the enamel. Minerals such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate are redeposited (remineralization) to the enamel layer from the foods and waters consumed. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization to repair the enamel layer leads to tooth decay and often, to tooth sensitivity.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and sensitivity by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.

Tooth sensitivity can also occur due to gum recession, aggressive tooth brushing, clenching and grinding (bruxism), weak or missing enamel, and deep restorations. Fluoride varnish applied at your visit or prescription strength fluoride toothpaste can help reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity as well as tooth decay. You may also benefit by having a Desensitization Treatment, which is another way to treat your sensitivity. We can help determine which may be your best option for tooth sensitivity treatments. Ask our Hygienists, Alison and Kerry, to treat your sensitivity while you are at your dental hygiene appointment. You don’t have to suffer with tooth sensitivity . . . Contact Us Today!