How Fluoride Treatments Complement Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

How Fluoride Treatments Complement Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall health, and fluoride treatments play a significant role in enhancing your daily care. At Hoburne Dental Practice, a trusted dental practice in Christchurch, we focus on helping patients prevent tooth decay and maintain strong, healthy teeth through tailored fluoride recommendations.

Why Fluoride is Important

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps resist the acid attacks that cause tooth decay. It can also reverse early signs of decay by remineralising weakened enamel. While brushing and flossing remove plaque and food particles, fluoride provides an added layer of protection that is crucial for long-term oral health.

Fluoride Advice for Adults

At Hoburne Dental Practice, we recommend adults brush their teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste containing between 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride. Brushing for a full two minutes, especially before bed, maximises fluoride’s benefits. After brushing, it’s better to spit out excess toothpaste rather than rinse with water so the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.

For adults prone to higher rates of decay, we can prescribe high-fluoride toothpaste options containing 2,800ppm or even 5,000ppm fluoride. Additionally, incorporating a fluoride mouthwash into your routine can provide extra protection, especially if used at times separate from brushing, such as after lunch. This helps maintain fluoride levels in the mouth throughout the day.

Fluoride Advice for Children

Early introduction to fluoride is key for children’s dental health. At our family-friendly dental practice in Christchurch, we guide parents to establish healthy routines from a young age.

• Children under 3: Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm fluoride) twice daily.
• Children aged 3-6: Brush twice daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (at least 1,000ppm fluoride).
• Children aged 7 and above: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride.

For children at higher risk of cavities, we offer professional fluoride varnish applications during routine check-ups. These varnishes provide concentrated fluoride in vulnerable areas, giving extra protection where it’s needed most.

How Fluoride Treatments Work With Your Routine

While brushing and flossing remain the foundation of oral hygiene, fluoride treatments from Hoburne Dental Practice complement these efforts by:

• Strengthening enamel to resist decay-causing acids.
• Repairing early enamel damage before cavities develop.
• Providing long-lasting protection through professional applications and prescribed home care products.

Using fluoride toothpaste daily combined with periodic fluoride treatments creates a powerful defence against decay, helping you keep your teeth healthier for longer.

Make Fluoride Part of Your Routine with Hoburne Dental Practice

If you’re looking for professional advice on incorporating fluoride treatments into your oral hygiene routine, Hoburne Dental Practice is here to help. Our team can assess your dental health and recommend the best fluoride options tailored to your needs, whether you’re an adult aiming to reduce decay or a parent wanting to protect your child’s developing teeth.

Taking simple steps like using the right fluoride toothpaste, adding a fluoride mouthwash, and visiting your dental practice in Christchurch regularly can make a big difference in protecting your smile from decay.

Book an appointment with Hoburne Dental Practice to discuss your fluoride needs and keep your teeth in strong, healthy condition.