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What's topical fluoride, and when should I use it?
Topical fluoride is a gel administered to the teeth by a dentist and left on for 1-2 minutes, usually during a cleaning treatment. For patients with a high risk of cavities, Dr. Elseweifi may prescribe a special gel for daily home use, to be applied with or without a mouth tray for up to six weeks.
Why is fluoride useful?
Fluoride is absorbed easily into tooth enamel, especially in children's growing teeth. Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible. Topical fluoride application is an important element of preventive dentistry.
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