Fluoride is a topic that is often discussed and can be controversial. You’ve likely heard arguments from both sides--is it beneficial or unnecessary for your health?

What is fluoride?

Fluoride, found in soil, water, and food, is an abundant and common mineral in the environment. The synthetic form of fluoride, on the other hand, is added as an enhancement to water supply and dental products.

For instance, there are several products containing fluoride, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. According to the American Dental Association, fluoride protects and prevents at least 25 percent of tooth decay.

Most importantly, using fluoride can spare you the time and expense of costly dental procedures to restore decayed or damaged teeth.

How does it work?

The ability of fluoride to form higher-quality enamel ensures greater resistance to acidity, helping to prevent tooth decay.

In addition, fluoride helps reduce plaque-producing bacteria from forming. Ultimately, fluoride protects and strengthens tooth enamel along with promoting good oral health.

What are the risks of fluoridation?

As always, all substances should be consumed in moderation. Side effects of ingesting too much fluoride include temporary white spots on the teeth. However, the amount of fluoride in water and dental products is regulated, ensuring that they are safe to use.

Simply put, fluoride doesn’t pose a threat to your health when used correctly. Rather, it protects your oral health by preventing cavities.

Schedule an appointment with Reflection Ridge Dental

If you are concerned about fluoride treatments at the dentist, please let us know and we will discuss ways for you to protect your teeth and the benefits of fluoride. You can protect your teeth by using products at home that contain fluoride.

Ready to schedule a dental checkup? Call us at (316) 721-2024 to set up your next dental appointment with our team of caring hygienists and dentists.

What to do if you chip, break, or knock out a tooth

A tooth that has been knocked out, broken, or chipped can inflict pain and panic. No matter how big or small the injury is, it’s imperative to seek treatment immediately to prevent further damage from developing.

Causes of tooth injuries

Tooth injuries can happen as a result of eating something hard, or they can be caused by impact to the face. In addition, tooth and mouth injuries commonly occur from contact sports. 

If you’re involved in contact sports, it’s essential to wear a fitted mouthguard at all times. Mouthguards can go a long way in avoiding dental injuries from happening. If you or your child needs a custom-fitted mouthguard, ask us about it at your next appointment.

What to do when an injury occurs

1. Contact your dentist right away. It’s important to let us know you’re coming in so we can fit you into our daily schedule.
2. Rinse your mouth gently with water.
3. Place an ice pack or cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.
4. Immerse the tooth fragment in milk and bring it with you to your appointment, if possible.

What to do in a dental emergency

It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you experience a dental emergency. Having your mouth evaluated by a dentist will help stop the progression of further damage or injury to the mouth. In addition, an evaluation is crucial to ensure the jaw and surrounding teeth are in good condition.

Committed to your comfort

If you have a dental emergency that requires immediate care, call our office as soon as possible for treatment. As always, at Reflection Ridge Dental, we will do our best to fit you into our schedule when you need us most. Further, we’re committed to the comfort of every patient who enters our office.

Did you know that your tongue can be an early detector for disease and illness in your body?

While poor oral health can lead to cavities and gum disease, your oral health can indicate signs of ailments in other parts of your body. Your mouth can be an early warning sign of heart disease, oral cancer, and other cancers, among other illnesses.

Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry is helpful in the early detection of disease and other health issues. By visiting your dentist twice a year, you can prevent these issues from further developing. 

Oral health and other health problems can be diagnosed and treated if caught early enough.

The Oral Cancer Foundation provides resources for oral cancer warning signs, early screening, and other factors that may put you at risk. Signs of oral cancer include mouth pain, ear pain, a lump or growth, white and red patches in your mouth, and sores that fail to heal.

Warning signs of other oral health problems can include white patches on your tongue, an overly red tongue or gums, soreness, and bleeding.

Schedule an appointment if you notice any changes to your oral health

If you notice changes in your oral health that raise concerns, it’s important to see your dentist right away. However, if you are diagnosed with a condition outside of our expertise, we’re able to refer you to a specialist who can effectively treat your case.

With regular checkups, your dentist will be able to diagnose problems or warning signs during your dental exam.

Our team of dentists, hygienists, and assistants are skilled in providing compassionate and gentle dental care for your entire family.

Ready to put your best smile forward? Contact us today to set up your next appointment at Reflection Ridge Dental.

While the pandemic has affected our daily lives, it has also impacted appointment processes at medical and dental practices.

Our practice is taking additional precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable visit for each patient. For instance, our team uses enhanced disinfection protocols and screening practices for the safety of all staff and patients.

Here’s what you can expect at your next routine dental checkup.

Prior to your appointment

Our office staff may call to remind you of your appointment and to ensure that you’re healthy. In addition, our team may ask questions regarding your health, and inform you of any information you need to bring with you.

As a safety measure, we may ask that you limit the number of people or family members you bring to your appointment. This will help limit traffic in our office as well as potential exposures.

At your appointment

If the state or city ordinance of wearing a mask is still in effect, we will require all patients to enter our office wearing a mask. Also, you may be asked to wait in your car upon arrival, and patients may require a temperature check upon entering our office.

Our dentists and hygienists are required to wear personal protective equipment at all times during each appointment. Some equipment may provide enhanced protection, like face shields, goggles, and masks.

After your appointment

Following your appointment, our staff will thoroughly sanitize all equipment in each room to disinfect and reduce the risk of spreading illness.

While some safety measures have changed, you’ll still receive the same compassionate and personalized care from Reflection Ridge Dental.

Schedule your next checkup with Reflection Ridge Dental

Routine dental visits are essential to maintaining your oral and overall health. Our team is available to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding dental care and safety precautions. Contact us today to get on our schedule.