Tooth fluorescation
Fluoridation of teeth protects enamel against caries. Tooth enamel after each meal is exposed to falling pH in the mouth. This is the result of the activity of caries. Low pH causes dissolving enamel prisms and if it occurs often enough in the tooth, caries begin. Fluoride, thanks to the penetration into the enamel and the change of its construction from hydroxyapatites to fluoroapatites, causes significantly increased tooth tolerance to falling pH in the mouth. This is the reason why fluoride is currently found in virtually any toothpaste. Unfortunately, the fluoride administered in excess is harmful to health, so for the safety of patients, fluoride levels in commonly available sources are relatively low. Unfortunately, the supply of fluoride when brushing teeth is insufficient to reach the maximum concentration in the enamel of the teeth. A procedure that facilitates maximum increase enamel resistance to caries is the procedure of contact fluoride. The procedure is completely painless and below we describe its simplified scheme:
- First visit: The dental hygienist performs a preliminary dental inspection and checks whether it is necessary to perform tartar scaling. If the removal of stone is not necessary, it does polish the teeth with a paste with fluorine paste. After polishing, the enamel thoroughly drains the teeth and adjusts the size of the spoons for fluoride. Then, in each spoon, I inject a foam with a very high concentration of fluoride and put the patient in the mouth. Fluorine foam when contacting the teeth in the mouth releases fluoride ions and strengthens enamel. After about 6-8 minutes, the hygienist removes the spoons from the mouth and the procedure is completed. The whole procedure of contact fluoride together with the hygiene instruction lasts about 20~30 minutes and is completely painless. After the procedure, it should not be eaten or drinkfor about an hour of time.
Faqs:
- How often should your teeth be fluorided? – fluoridation as a prophylactic procedure should be performed every 6~9 months in adults and every 3-6 months in children. Fluoride over time is flushed out of the enamel which causes a gradual increase in its sensitivity to falling pH in the mouth after each meal. Therefore, the regular fluoride schedule ensures maximum enamel resistance.
- What is the difference between contact fluoridation and tooth varnishing? – the effect of the treatment is the same – reinforced tooth enamel, much more resistant to caries. The difference is due to the very course of the procedure. Tooth varnishing is preferred in children because this procedure is easier for them to carry out. In adults, contact fluoride is more indicated.
