Protect Your Smile: The Benefits of Fluoride Therapy at Silsby Family Dental

Silsby Family Dental appreciates that the best treatment is no treatment at all! We work with individuals and their families across Albion and the greater western New York area to prevent problems such as cavities and more advanced tooth decay. Dental decay is the leading cause of tooth loss along with gum disease. With our combination of routine re-care and professional preventative services – like supplemental fluoride treatment — you can keep your healthy, stunning smile intact for life.

Why is fluoride such a big deal in dentistry?

For starters, there are many sources of this naturally occurring mineral. Fluoride is present in drinking water, and some foods contain it. Of course, our dentist, Dr. Evan Silsby, recommends fluoride toothpaste as a staple of your home oral care routine. However, as a provider of professional dental services, we also have access to other products and treatments to strengthen teeth weakened by enamel erosion. These products include supplemental fluoride. Fluoride therapy at the dentist’s office can be applied in the form of varnish, rinse, foam, gel, trays, and other methods.

Am I (or my child) a good candidate for fluoride therapy?

The fluoride products offered at the dentist’s office typically have a higher concentration than those available over the counter. When in the highly capable hands of Dr. Silsby, fluoride treatment is a safe, predictable, quick, gentle, non-invasive, and affordable way to get ahead of cavities and dental decay or to resolve early problems before they become bigger ones quickly. Generally, more extensive decay or damage requires more aggressive, time-consuming, and costly restorative dentistry treatment.

How do you apply fluoride at the dentist’s office?

Professional fluoride therapy may also be easily integrated into the regular six-month dental checkup. For instance, as a varnish, we simply paint the concentrated fluoride directly on the teeth. The fluoride sets immediately as the product comes in contact with saliva. The longer the varnish is in contact with the teeth, the more effective it may be. That said, Dr. Silsby accounts for many different factors when selecting the type and concentration of topical fluoride, as well as the length of time for treatment (when the fluoride is actively in contact with tooth enamel).

How do I care for my teeth afterward?

We can also advise on what to do following treatment. In general, it is recommended that you avoid eating or drinking for a bit immediately after the fluoride is applied. This precaution helps to support the maximum effectiveness of such therapy. And that’s pretty much it—just let this powerful mineral go to work to remineralize the teeth, staving off or stopping the erosion process and putting the brakes on symptoms such as tooth sensitivity.

Many pediatric patients enjoy that these varnishes come in fun and tasty flavors, such as bubblegum and cookie dough. Additionally, parents appreciate that as a preventive service, fluoride treatment may be fully covered by their dental insurance plans. To learn more about this important service, call (585) 589-4325 to speak with a member of the Silsby Family Dental team in Albion, NY, today.