Tooth decay is often the result of inconsistent oral hygiene practices. When you fail to effectively brush your teeth twice each day or you sometimes forget to thoroughly floss once per day the presence of bacteria, plaque and food particles can cause problems for your oral health, including cavities.
Many municipalities add fluoride to their water supplies. Between that and fluoride toothpaste, most people receive the fluoride they need. Your dentist is the best person to decide if you need additional fluoride. This is done during a checkup from our dentists Drs. Milla Openko and Dean Dedola. Our dentists will thoroughly clean your teeth and examine the overall health of all your mouth. If this examination reveals the early signs of enamel erosion, they might recommend a fluoride treatment. This can often be performed during the same appointment.
If the dentist has further concerns about the mineral strength of your teeth, he might also provide you with a prescription for fluoride supplements. This can help maintain the health of your teeth in between your regularly scheduled dental checkups. You can also use a mouthwash with a fluoride additive, or a toothpaste with additional fluoride.
If you live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, region and you are concerned about the strength of your teeth, you should call 412.885.5590 to schedule a dental checkup at Milla Openko, DMD.