Awbrey Dental Group

Recently there has been some debate regarding the pros and cons of fluoride.  From a dental perspective we strongly believe in fluoride and the many ways it can benefit our patients.  Fluoride can be used for a variety of purposes ranging from desensitization (eliminating tooth sensitivity to hot/cold) to everyone’s favorite… preventing cavities.

There is also a number of ways to apply or receive the long lasting benefits of fluoride.  One method common to other states excluding Oregon is the addition of fluoride to the water supply.  Everyone can benefit from an appropriate and safe amount of community water fluoridation. However, communities with limited access to dental care and children with developing teeth benefit the most from water fluoridation.  This due to a constant remineralization of weakened enamel and the incorporation of fluoride into how the permanent tooth is formed, making it extremely cavity resistant.  Don’t despair, for those of us no longer developing teeth (usually over the age of 12), your dentist or dental hygienist can apply topical fluoride during your next continuing care appointment.  Topical fluoride implies it is applied directly to the tooth structure and allowed to remineralize through direct contact.  This is usually done at the end of your continuing care or “cleaning” appointment to maximize absorption.

In the meantime many toothpastes, mouth rinses, and even floss include fluoride so brush, rinse, and floss away! We look forward to seeing you, our favorite patients very soon!