Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay. It is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies. The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.
How Fluoride Works
Fluoride works in two ways:
Topical fluoride strengthens the teeth once they have erupted by seeping into the outer surface of the tooth enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay. We gain topical fluoride by using fluoride containing dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels. Dentists and dental hygienists generally recommend that children have a professional application of fluoride twice a year during dental check-ups.
Systemic fluoride strengthens the teeth that have erupted as well as those that are developing under the gums. We gain systemic fluoride from most foods and our community water supplies. It is also available as a supplement in drop or gel form and can be prescribed by your dentist or physician. Generally, fluoride drops are recommended for infants, and tablets are best suited for children up through the teen years. It is very important to monitor the amounts of fluoride a child ingests. If too much fluoride is consumed while the teeth are developing, a condition called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) may result.
Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of home and/or professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons:
- Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth
- Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
- Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
- Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
- Inadequate exposure to fluorides
- Inadequate saliva flow due to medical conditions, medical treatments, or medications
- Recent history of dental decay
Remember, fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay. It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, eat balanced meals, reduce sugary snacks, and visit your dentist on a regular basis.
Start Your Treatment Today
At South Suburban Family Dental in Blue Island, IL, professional fluoride treatments are a routine part of our preventive care program for patients of all ages. Our doctor and hygiene team take a practical, honest approach to fluoride recommendations, applying treatments when they are genuinely warranted based on each patient’s individual risk profile and oral health history rather than as a routine add-on for every patient regardless of need.
Professional fluoride treatments at our office are quick, painless, and applied at the end of the cleaning appointment in the form of a varnish or gel. The process takes only a few minutes and provides concentrated enamel protection that significantly exceeds what fluoride toothpaste alone can deliver. For children, twice-yearly professional fluoride applications during routine cleaning appointments are generally recommended during the most cavity-prone developmental years. For adults with elevated decay risk, a history of sensitivity, or dry mouth concerns, professional fluoride can make a meaningful difference in long-term enamel health and comfort.
Our team is always happy to discuss whether a professional fluoride treatment is appropriate for you or your child at your next appointment. At South Suburban Family Dental, preventive care is not about adding unnecessary services — it is about providing the right care for each individual patient with the friendly, reliable approach that the Blue Island, IL community has trusted since 1983.