Fluoride

tusculum office

tusculum officeServing patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN

Tooth decay is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the United States. Protect every member of your family by receiving fluoride treatments from the team of oral health professionals at Tusculum Dental Care.

What is fluoride and how is it used in dentistry?

Fluoride treatments have been a tried-and-true method of preventive care in dentistry for the past several decades. Fluoride is a mineral that interacts with the other minerals, such as calcium, that occur naturally in your mouth. Fluoride interacts with these minerals, fortifying your teeth and mouth against the threat of decay. Fluoride also hardens and re-mineralizes small imperfections that form on the surfaces of any person’s teeth, and encourages the formation of harder enamel, which serves to strengthen teeth as a whole.

Tusculum Dental Care offers two types of fluoride treatments:

  • In-office: Administered during a scheduled appointment at our Maryville office, receiving a fluoride treatment can be completed in just a few minutes.
  • At-home: For maximum convenience or patients who have an especially high risk of tooth decay, we offer fluoride treatments at home, where the fluoride gel is administered at home at the convenience of the patient in customized, pre-filled trays.

Regardless of what type of fluoride treatment you prefer, be sure to refrain from eating, drinking or rinsing for at least 30 minutes after the treatment is complete

Are fluoride treatments right for me?

In accordance with the recommendations of the American Dental Association, Tusculum Dental Care advises all of our pediatric patients to receive fluoride treatments as an additional layer of protection against the threat of tooth decay. While fluoride treatments are ideal for children, who may still be learning how to perform proper oral hygiene, patients of any age can benefit from fluoride. These treatments are recommended for individuals who are at a high risk of tooth decay due to gum disease, genetics or some other type of mitigating factor; or for individuals whose water source is non-fluoridated. Fluoride also can be quite beneficial for people who are unable to maintain a regular schedule of dental visits due to factors such as finances or transportation.

Remember that any topical fluoride treatment is meant as a supplement to, not a replacement for, a regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. Be sure to continue brushing and flossing daily, while returning to your dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning. Your local Greeneville family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care recommend using a brand of fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash as part of your everyday oral hygiene routine. Just look for brands that have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance on the packaging.

The importance of preventive care

The risks of tooth decay are real—and widespread in our society. A recent study published by the CDC found that 91 percent of American adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had at least one cavity. Protect the oral health of each member of your family by seeking a fluoride treatment from your local Greeneville dentist at Tusculum Dental Care.

Fluoride Treatments in Greeneville

For more information about our fluoride treatments, contact the office of Tusculum Dental Care by calling (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation.

Tusculum Dental Care offers comprehensive oral health care services to patients in the areas of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee.