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With the number of dental problems most of us face in our day to day life, it’s hard to imagine that our teeth come equipped with a natural defense mechanism that protects them from tooth decay and cavities. But, it’s true. Our teeth have a system for looking after themselves and it’s called enamel. You would probably recognize it as the hard shell that covers the surface of our teeth.

However, irregular dental routine and failure to clean your teeth properly can damage this protective layer. When that happens, your dentist will recommend topical fluoride treatment. Not only does it strengthen the layer of enamel on your teeth, it also reverses any tooth decay that you may have suffered.

So, what exactly is fluoride? Well, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water and food. This mineral plays an important role in repairing damaged enamel and reverses any erosion that may have taken place due to dental problems or neglect on your part.

Topical fluoride treatment is especially recommended for children below the age of six. Despite the fact that kids this age don’t have permanent teeth, this therapy is important for them. It fights the buildup of bacteria around the gums, thereby preventing periodontal problems like gingivitis.

That said, even adults benefit greatly from fluoride treatment, particularly those who are suffering from the following problems:

• Dry mouth conditions caused by medications, radiation treatment, or diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome.
• Gingivitis
• Frequent decay or cavities
• Recession of gums along with exposed roots
• Sensitive teeth
• Developmental defects in their teeth
• Presence of braces, bridges and/ or crowns

Now that we know who all should consider fluoride therapy, let’s look at the various ways in which you can supplement it in your system. The most common way to do so is by using toothpaste or mouth rinse rich in fluoride. You can also get fluoride gels over the counter which are applied directly to the mouth. They are generally used along with fluoride toothpaste and it is advised that you allow the gel to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Also, avoid having anything to eat or drink for at least half an hour after the application.

Then, there is the professional route to getting fluoride therapy. Of course, the results are far better than anything you can expect from a DIY home kit and with a trained medical practitioner handling the process, you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong.

There are three forms in which fluoride is administered by a dentist – varnish, gel or foam. Foams are applied with the help of a mouth guard whereas varnishes are typically painted onto the teeth. Gels can be either painted or applied using mouth guard. You are advised not to eat or drink for at least half an hour after the procedure.

A word of advice. When it comes to children, you have to be cautious about the amount of fluoride they are exposed to. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis – a condition that can lead to tooth decay and cause browning of the teeth. Be sure you don’t go overboard with the fluoride application. Don’t do it by yourself, trust your dentist and your child will be safe.

In the end, there is no denying that fluoride therapy has its benefits. Studies indicate that fluoride treatments have been used with great success in both children as well as adults. It reduces the chances of tooth decay, prevents cavities, repairs the protective enamel covering, and keeps your teeth healthy and strong.