Fluoride Treatment in St. Catharines

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth’s enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth’s enamel layer when acids (formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth) attack the enamel.

Minerals such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate are redeposited (remineralization) to the enamel layer from the foods and waters consumed. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization to repair the enamel layer leads to tooth decay.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth.

Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.

• Gum disease & infections
• Inadequate exposure to fluorides
• Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
• Dry mouth conditions or inadequate saliva flow due to medical conditions, medical treatments or medications
• Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
• History of frequent dental decay
• Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
• Presence of crowns and/or bridges or braces

To arrange for your appointment or to request more information:
Please call (905) 641-2242.