You likely know how important it is to take care of your teeth, but no matter how good your at-home oral hygiene routine is, we can only do so much. Fortunately, dentists are well-equipped to give you some extra support when you need it, making it even easier to keep your smile as good as it can be.
For most people, this means taking advantage of professional cleanings and fluoride treatments, which are a simple way to help maintain peak dental health.
The Benefits of Regular Professional Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings act as the perfect complement to your regular brushing and flossing routine, ensuring that your mouth stays as clean as possible. This is important, as tartar can build up even with the most diligent oral hygiene practices, and is not possible to remove yourself.
They also provide the perfect opportunity for your dentist to identify any issues with your teeth and gums. If any issues are found, they’ll be able to discuss them with you so that appropriate steps can be taken to remedy them rather than allowing them to worsen.
Understanding Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities developing. Although we are exposed to fluoride through toothpaste, water, and certain foods, additional exposure is still beneficial for our teeth.
During fluoride treatment, a gel or foam with a high fluoride concentration is applied to the teeth by a dental professional. This treatment usually takes less than five minutes but can have a serious positive impact on the health of your teeth.
How Fluoride Treatments Benefit You
These treatments keep your teeth healthy through several different mechanisms. It can directly integrate into your tooth enamel, strengthening it and increasing its ability to resist acid found in food and produced by plaque and bacteria. It also promotes the remineralization process, which allows your teeth to strengthen and rebuild themselves.
Because of this, fluoride treatments can actually reverse early tooth decay in some cases. Additionally, the fluoride can help to prevent the growth and proliferation of bacteria in your mouth, reducing your cavity risk even more.
The Combined Benefits of Professional Cleaning and Fluoride Treatment
By incorporating both professional cleanings and fluoride treatments into your oral hygiene routine, you can be confident you’re doing everything to protect your teeth and your smile. You’ll prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar that contribute to bad breath, tooth decay, and the development of gum disease. At the same time, the fluoride treatments will work to keep your tooth enamel healthy and protected, further reducing the risk of decay and cavities.
This combined protection keeps your risk of dental issues low and ensures your smile will stay wonderful for years to come.
Keeping Your Smile Strong With Coast Dental Centre
As your dentist in Maple Ridge, Coast Dental Centre can provide everything you need to keep your smile as good as it can be, including professional cleaning and fluoride treatments. Contact us today to arrange a visit to the dentist or find out more about what we can offer you.