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Fluoride Treatment
 At Gregory J. Gorman, DMD provide preventive services as well as restorative and cosmetic. Preventive treatment includes removing harmful bacteria, boosting your oral health, and providing education for continual oral health. Fluoride has been found to play a significant role in promoting tooth health when applied appropriately. Working together, we can keep you and your family's oral health in pristine condition. What Is Fluoride?Though our teeth look and feel solid, if you were to look at them under a microscope you would see that the tooth surface consists of shards of minerals mashed together. As we use our teeth in just normal use, chewing, biting and speaking, we lose tiny shard fragments and then our teeth continually rebuild. This is known as the demineralization and mineralization of our enamel. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and it is one of the minerals that helps rebuild our teeth. It is naturally found in water and in certain foods, including potatoes, shellfish, grapes and more. Unfortunately, studies have shown us that the rate or demineralization often exceeds remineralization, the result includes increased tooth decay and the development of cavities. Today, many public water systems have added fluoride to the drinking water, in addition, we can provide fluoride treatment to help in the remineralization process. This will help strengthen the enamel layer and prevent tooth decay. We may even recommend a fluoride treatment to attempt to reverse minor instances of decay and hopefully the tooth will rebuild. Who Needs Fluoride Treatment?We recommend fluoride treatments for patients who:
Studies show that having a professional fluoride treatment can prevent about one-third of the decay in primary (baby) teeth, combine this with dental sealants and your children are set up with a great preventive path. Placing safeguards from disease and decay can mean better oral health for life. Fluoride Treatment ProcedureFluoride treatment is usually recommended following your routine cleaning and checkup if we spot the signs that you could benefit from treatment. It is a simple process, painless and fast. The fluoride may be given as a solution that you gargle and spit, or we may apply the fluoride with a brush, cotton swab, or tray depending on the form being applied. Treatment takes only a few minutes. Following your fluoride application, you’ll be asked to not rinse, eat, or drink anything for at least 30 minutes, this is to allow time for the enamel to absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic decay. In some cases, we may recommend fluoride supplements, particularly if you live in a more rural area and are not connected to a city water supply. The supplement will strengthen the tooth from within and help protect your teeth from decay like a dental crown. Schedule An AppointmentWe are happy to answer your questions about fluoride. It has had some media exposure in recent years and left patients questioning its value, we are happy to discuss that with you. If you would like to schedule an appointment for you or your family, please call (970) 812-3959 now! |
 HoursMonday to Thursday: 8am to 5pm |
(970) 812-3959 
Dr. Gregory J. Gorman, DMD