Maintaining strong, healthy teeth is essential for long-term oral health.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we offer two options to help protect your teeth: professional fluoride treatments and MI Paste with hydroxyapatite.
While fluoride remains the foundation of preventive dental care, MI Paste can help strengthen enamel even more and reduce sensitivity. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to maintaining a bright, healthy smile.
Our dental professionals can help you determine how to incorporate both into your oral care plan based on your needs, lifestyle, and risk factors.
What Is Fluoride and Why Is It Important?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in the public water supply, many foods, and dental care products like fluoridated toothpaste.
It helps rebuild weakened enamel, slow the progression of early tooth decay, and reduce acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars. Fluoride treatments are a well-established cornerstone of preventive dental care, trusted for their proven effectiveness in protecting against tooth decay.
Learn more about the safety and benefits of fluoride in our Hot Topic: Is Fluoride Bad for You? article.
Fluoride Treatments for Kids
Children benefit greatly from fluoride treatments as they develop their primary and permanent teeth.
Professional fluoride treatments help prevent cavities, strengthen developing enamel, and protect against decay in areas that are hard to reach with brushing alone. Treatments like fluoride varnish are quick, painless, and safe for young patients.
Regular fluoride applications can reduce the risk of tooth decay in children, especially when combined with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet.
Fluoride Treatments for Adults
Fluoride isn’t just for kids—adults can benefit from fluoride treatments as well.
Fluoride treatment helps prevent cavities, especially in individuals with gum recession, dry mouth, or a history of frequent cavities. It also strengthens enamel that may weaken over time due to acid attacks from food, drinks, or certain medical conditions.
Adults with orthodontic appliances, dental restorations, or high cavity risk should consider regular professional fluoride treatments to support long-term oral health.
Clearwater Dentistry offers fluoride treatments as part of our comprehensive teeth cleaning services. We see patients of all ages and are always accepting new patients at our dental office in Greeley, CO.
How Fluoride Treatments Work
Topical fluoride treatments, applied by dental professionals, deliver high concentrations of fluoride directly to the teeth for optimal absorption. These treatments reinforce enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and plaque buildup.
Types of Professional Fluoride Treatments We Offer
- Fluoride Gel: Applied using trays or brushes, fluoride gel covers teeth evenly to strengthen enamel.
- Fluoride Varnish: A quick-drying solution painted onto teeth, ideal for both kids and adults.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): An option for slowing or stopping active decay, especially beneficial for young children, older adults, or patients unable to undergo treatments such as fillings or dental crowns. This treatment is not effective for all types of cavities and is used in situations with extenuating circumstances.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatments
- Strengthens primary and permanent teeth
- Lowers the risk of tooth decay, especially in decay-prone areas
- Reduces tooth sensitivity by blocking exposed dentinal tubules
- Protects against acid attacks from sugary foods and drinks
- Safe and effective for all ages, including fluoride treatment for kids and fluoride treatment for adults
📅How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatments?
The frequency of fluoride treatment depends on individual risk factors like a history of dental caries, dry mouth, or certain medical conditions. Our team typically recommends treatments every 3, 6, or 12 months. Patients with high risk of developing cavities, orthodontic appliances, acid reflux, highly acidic diet, or high sugar consumption may benefit from more frequent applications.
Hydroxyapatite and MI Paste
Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up most of the tooth enamel and bone.
MI Paste, which contains hydroxyapatite, works alongside fluoride treatments to help with the absorption of minerals into teeth, strengthen tooth enamel, reduce sensitivity, and support overall oral health. This combination approach helps patients achieve optimal enamel remineralization and cavity prevention.
What Is MI Paste?
MI Paste contains Recaldent (CPP-ACP), a compound that delivers calcium and phosphate to the teeth.
Combined with hydroxyapatite, it replenishes lost minerals in the enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks and helping to smooth the tooth surface.
You can purchase MI Paste directly at our office.
How to Use MI Paste:
- Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of MI Paste using a clean finger or custom tray.
- Leave on for as long as possible, at least 3 minutes, without rinsing.
- Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes, but preferably 60 minutes, to maximize absorption.
Benefits of Using MI Paste with Fluoride Treatments:
- Complements fluoride by boosting enamel remineralization
- Reduces tooth sensitivity, especially after professional dental treatments
- Provides additional protection against acid attacks
- Helps manage conditions like enamel fluorosis and early tooth decay
- Safe for use by children, adults, pregnant women, and patients with sensitivity concerns
To better understand how hydroxyapatite compares to fluoride and why they work well together, check out our Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste vs. Fluoride: Which Is Better for Your Teeth? article.
Why Use Both Fluoride and Hydroxyapatite?
Using fluoride and hydroxyapatite together creates a powerful defense against tooth decay and enamel erosion.
Fluoride strengthens the enamel from within, while hydroxyapatite supports the outer surface of the tooth by repairing minor imperfections and smoothing the enamel. This dual approach is especially helpful for:
- Patients with frequent cavities or high sugar consumption
- Individuals with enamel sensitivity or erosion
- Children developing their primary and permanent teeth
- Adults with gum recession exposing sensitive tooth structures
Our dental professionals will review your dental history, tooth structures, and risk factors to recommend the best combination for your oral health goals.
Schedule An Appointment at Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley, CO
Taking care of your teeth is an investment in your overall health. Combining fluoride treatments with MI Paste provides a complete approach to strengthening your enamel, reducing sensitivity, and preventing cavities.
At Clearwater Dentistry, our team is here to help you find the best solution for your oral health needs. If you are searching for a dentist accepting new patients in Greely, CO, we can help! To book an appointment, call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online inquiry form. Visit us at 3110 67th Avenue Place Greeley, CO 80634.
We look forward to meeting you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wait at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour, before eating or drinking after a fluoride treatment. This allows the fluoride to absorb into the enamel for maximum effectiveness.
Eating too soon can wash away the fluoride solution, reducing its ability to protect against tooth decay and acid attacks.
You should wait at least 4 to 6 hours before brushing your teeth to avoid removing the fluoride varnish prematurely.
Yes. Fluoride treatment for adults is recommended, especially for those with gum recession, dry mouth, or a history of high risk for cavities. Fluoride helps strengthen permanent teeth and prevent decay at any age.
