Using Daily Fluoride Supplements

The enamel layer on each of your teeth is very hard and durable. However, it is not impervious to enamel erosion caused by acidic foods, beverages, and the natural bacteria in your mouth. Over time this process, known as demineralization, can create microscopic pores and channels in your tooth enamel, promoting tooth decay and sensitivity issues.

Increased exposure to fluoride helps to restore a microscopic amount of minerals to your tooth enamel. This process is known as remineralization. It strengthens tooth enamel and reduces your chances of developing tooth decay and sensitivity problems.

If you aren’t getting adequate fluoride exposure in your average day, your Paul L. Evans, DDS dentist might suggest a basic fluoride treatment and prescription fluoride supplements. Common fluoride supplements include sublingual tabs, gels, mouth rinse, or a concentrated fluoride toothpaste.

It’s important that you take ingestible fluoride supplements at the prescribed times. If Dr. Paul L. Evans prescribes concentrated fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash, you should brush or rinse with them right before going to sleep. You will need to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the fluoride to fully saturate your tooth enamel.

All of this, of course, is in addition to brushing your teeth with a toothpaste that has added fluoride as part of your oral hygiene.

If you have tooth decay or sensitivity issues, and you’d like to increase your daily fluoride exposure, you should call Paul L. Evans, DDS at 530.273.4442 to schedule an appointment.