Fluoride is a helpful mineral for our teeth that can help reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Although fluoride may not whiten your teeth directly, it is important to the process and can reduce sensitivity afterwards.
Symmetry Dental provides both in-office and at-home whitening services that can leave you with a brighter smile. Please read our full blog and book an appointment today to learn more about available options.
Why Is Fluoride Good For Your Teeth?
Fluoride is commonly used in dental products and can do great things for your teeth. Kinds of toothpaste, mouthwashes, and supplements can be infused with fluoride to help combat things like cavities and tooth decay.
Some of the benefits of having more fluoride on your teeth can include the following:
- Help to rebuild weakened enamel
- Slow down any loss of minerals from your tooth enamel
- Help to reverse any earlier signs of tooth decay
- Help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
As you can see, fluoride can play an important role in our oral health, and it might be worth speaking with your dentist about fluoride treatment options.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a type of mineral that is naturally found in the soil, water, and air. Fluoride is typically added to drinking water as a public health measure to help reduce cavities. It is also commonly used in dentistry to help strengthen the enamel in your teeth. In Canada, fluoridation guidelines are created at the provincial and federal levels, but the municipal level will make the final decision.
Fluoride Treatment Options
Water fluoridation is not the only way the mineral can be delivered and used to help improve your teeth enamel. You can also opt to use one of the many products or treatments available, including:
Fluoride Toothpaste
In Canada, numerous brands of toothpaste contain higher levels of fluoride to help combat cavities and tooth decay.
Fluoride Mouth Rinse
Fluoride mouth rinses may be a good solution if you are prone to cavities. Children under the age of 6 should not be using fluoride mouthwashes, and speaking with your oral care professional is recommended before trying them for yourself.
Fluoride Supplements
If advised by your oral care professionals, fluoride supplements in the form of tablets or drops can be used.
Fluoride Gel & Foam
Different fluoride gels and foams can be spread on the teeth to help combat cavities and strengthen enamel.
Fluoride Varnish
Some oral care professionals may recommend using fluoride varnish on your teeth. It is typically painted onto your teeth and should be done by a trained professional.
Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?
Tooth discolouration refers to when your teeth change colours, typically yellow or with dark spots. Here are a few reasons why you might experience tooth discolouration:
Food & Drinks
Different drinks like alcohol, coffee, fruits, and tea can be responsible for staining your teeth and causing them to turn yellow.
Tobacco
Using tobacco, whether by smoking or chewing, can significantly cause yellow tooth discolouration.
Disease
In some cases, certain forms of radiation therapy and chemotherapy have been known to cause tooth discolouration.
Medications
Numerous different medications have been known to have some side effects, including tooth discolouration. For example, some antihistamines medications may cause teeth discolouration as a side effect.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not regularly brushing your teeth and flossing can lead to visible tooth decay, plaque build-up, and tooth discolouration. Taking care of your dental hygiene and practicing good habits are important.
Aging
As we age, the outer layers of our tooth’s enamel begin to fade, which can lead to some discolouration, and the teeth appear more yellow in colour.
How to Prevent Tooth Discolouration
You can follow some tips to try and reduce the likelihood of tooth discolouration. Here are a few prevention methods:
- Maintain good oral hygiene practices by brushing and flossing daily
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco
- Drink using a straw to avoid harsh liquids from coming in contact with your teeth
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking
- Get regular dental cleanings
Book your next dental cleaning with Symmetry Dental and work with one of our experienced dentists today.
How to Whiten Teeth
Tooth discolouration is not always abnormal, and in many cases, it might be the result of natural processes like aging or genetics. In contrast, it can be rooted in poor hygienic habits or lifestyle choices. Here are a few treatment options you might consider to help brighten your smile:
At-Home Whitening Kit
At Symmetry Dental, we offer at-home whitening kits to help whiten your smile from the comfort of your home. In the kit comes a customized tray and whitening gel to be used on your teeth for a designated period. You may experience results in 2 to 4 weeks.
In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening treatments differ from at-home treatments and can produce results in as little as 45 minutes. During your appointment, our team will apply a whitening gel to your teeth and use LED lights to activate it.
Book a Whitening Appointment Today
We want you to feel confident and comfortable with your smile. Please book an appointment with Symmetry Dental today and discuss the different teeth whitening options we can provide.
