Fluoride in Madison

How does using fluoride as part of your dental care routine help prevent cavities and tooth decay, keeping your teeth healthy and strong?

You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and visit the dentist every six months, but did you know that rinsing with fluoride — a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay — also helps keep your teeth healthy and strong?

Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay by coating your teeth and preventing plaque from building-up and hardening on the tooth's surface.

What are the differences between topical and systemic fluoride, and how do they each contribute to protecting your teeth from cavities and decay?

• Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth and includes toothpastes and mouth rinses.
• Systemic fluorides are generally only used by your dentist and are not often available for at-home use. Systemic fluoride treatments are generally designed to help protect the oral health of children undergoing dental procedures. Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often a much stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your dentist before purchasing professional strength fluoride).

What is involved in receiving a fluoride treatment from your dentist, and how does the timing and frequency of the treatment vary based on individual oral health needs?

A fluoride treatment in your dentist's office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, patients may be asked to not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor's recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe an at home fluoride product such as mouthwash, gels, or an antibacterial rinse.

How can you ensure that you choose the right at-home fluoride product, and what does the American Dental Association's (ADA) seal of acceptance indicate about a product's safety and effectiveness?

When choosing your own at home fluoride product (such as toothpaste or mouthwash), always check for the American Dental Association's (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined by the ADA and approved based on safety and effectiveness.