Remineralization
Fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened enamel by attracting minerals like calcium and phosphate. This process can actually reverse early tooth decay before a cavity forms.
Yuma's Best Dentist
Strong Teeth Start With Good Preventive Care
Fluoride treatment is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth from decay. This simple, painless preventive service strengthens your enamel and helps reverse early signs of cavities before they become serious problems.
At Arizona Avenue Dentistry, we provide professional fluoride treatments as part of our commitment to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life. Whether you're looking to protect your child's developing teeth or strengthen your own enamel, fluoride treatment offers powerful cavity prevention in just minutes.
Ready to strengthen your teeth? Call (928) 782-3685 or request an appointment online.
Fluoride treatment is the professional application of concentrated fluoride to your teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars in your mouth.
While you get some fluoride from toothpaste and drinking water, professional fluoride treatments deliver a much higher concentration directly to your teeth. This gives your enamel an extra boost of protection that at-home products simply can't match.
The treatment takes just a few minutes and can be applied as a gel, foam or varnish. It's quick, comfortable and one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent cavities.
Fluoride works in two important ways to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.
Fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened enamel by attracting minerals like calcium and phosphate. This process can actually reverse early tooth decay before a cavity forms.
Fluoride makes your enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and dietary sugars. This protective barrier helps prevent demineralization and the formation of new cavities.
Every day, your teeth go through cycles of losing minerals (demineralization) and gaining them back (remineralization). Fluoride tips the balance in favor of remineralization, keeping your enamel strong and healthy.
While fluoride is often associated with children's dental care, many adults can benefit from professional fluoride treatments too. You might be a good candidate if you:
During your visit, Dr. Grady will assess your individual risk factors and recommend whether fluoride treatment is right for you.
Professional fluoride treatment is quick, easy and completely painless. Here's what to expect:
Your teeth will be cleaned before the fluoride application. This is typically done during your regular dental cleaning appointment.
We apply the fluoride using one of three methods: gel in trays, foam in trays or varnish painted directly on your teeth. The application takes just a few minutes.
The fluoride needs time to absorb into your enamel. You'll wait about 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Varnish hardens on contact and provides longer-lasting protection.
The entire process is fast and comfortable. Most patients don't even need to schedule a separate appointment - fluoride treatment is typically provided right after your regular cleaning.
You might wonder if professional fluoride treatment is necessary when you already use fluoride toothpaste at home. Here's the difference:
Think of it this way: at-home fluoride toothpaste is like daily vitamins, while professional fluoride treatment is like a booster shot. Both play important roles in keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
Most patients benefit from fluoride treatment every six months during their regular dental checkup and cleaning. However, the frequency can vary based on your individual needs.
You might need more frequent fluoride treatments if you:
Dr. Grady will recommend the right fluoride schedule based on your oral health, cavity history and risk factors. Some patients need treatment every three months, while others do well with the standard six-month interval.
Fluoride has been safely used in dentistry for over 75 years. When used at recommended levels, it's one of the safest and most effective cavity prevention tools available.
Professional fluoride treatments use higher concentrations than toothpaste, but they're applied by trained dental professionals in controlled amounts. The fluoride stays on your teeth - it's not swallowed.
Is fluoride safe for children? Yes. Fluoride treatments are recommended for children starting at age 6 months. The amounts used are safe and effective for preventing cavities in developing teeth.
Can you get too much fluoride? Excessive fluoride over many years can cause fluorosis (white spots on teeth), but this only occurs from swallowing large amounts during tooth development. Professional treatments don't cause fluorosis.
Does fluoride treatment hurt? No. The application is completely painless. Some patients notice a slightly different taste, but there's no discomfort.
Major health organizations including the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control all recognize fluoride as safe and effective for preventing tooth decay.
Children benefit tremendously from fluoride treatments because their teeth are still developing. The fluoride incorporates into the tooth structure, making permanent teeth stronger before they even emerge.
We recommend fluoride treatments for children every six months, starting when their first tooth appears. This early protection can significantly reduce the risk of cavities throughout childhood and adolescence.
Our team is experienced in working with children of all ages, including those with special needs. We create a comfortable, welcoming environment where kids feel safe and cared for. Learn more about our Pediatric Dentistry Services.
Fluoride treatment is most effective when combined with good daily oral care. To get the maximum benefit:
Think of fluoride treatment as one important part of your overall cavity prevention strategy. When you combine professional treatments with daily care, you give your teeth the best possible protection.
Dr. Grady and our team have over 20 years of combined dental experience, including specialized training in preventive care. We understand that every patient has unique needs, and we tailor our fluoride recommendations to your individual risk factors.
Our practice is built on compassion and understanding. We create a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable asking questions and getting the care you need without judgment.
When you choose us, you can expect:
Strong teeth start with good preventive care. Fluoride treatment is a simple, effective way to strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities before they start.
Call (928) 782-3685 to schedule your appointment or visit our family dentistry page to learn more about our preventive services.
We're proud of the care we give, but hearing from our patients means everything. Read the reviews that reflect our commitment to comfort, compassion and exceptional dentistry.