Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Your tooth's enamel is one of its most powerful weapons against tooth decay. It helps your teeth stay resistant to bacteria, sugar, and other destructive elements. However, it's common for people to lose tooth enamel, especially as they get older. When this happens, it's important that the enamel is quickly replaced to keep your teeth strong. One of the most effective minerals for rebuilding enamel is fluoride, which can be found in tap water and in many foods. Many people can sufficiently replace their enamel naturally. However, others need special treatments from the dentist to get more fluoride exposure. Here are four reasons why you may need dental fluoride treatments:

You have gum disease. Gum disease often leads to your roots being exposed. Roots don't have the same level of enamel as the rest of your tooth, so if they're exposed, they're vulnerable to decay. While treatment for gum disease is important, it's also crucial that your roots build up their enamel levels so they stay resistant to bacteria. Supplemental fluoride treatments from your dentist can help you build enamel faster.

You have a dry mouth condition. Acids and bacteria are usually the primary causes for enamel loss. Your saliva plays an important role in your tooth health because it helps to wash away bacteria and acid before they can attack your teeth. However, if you have low saliva levels due to a dry mouth condition, you may have trouble washing those bacteria and acids away. Your teeth enamel may have to withstand higher levels of those destructive elements. In this case, you may want to get regular dental fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel and help keep your teeth bacteria resistant.

You get frequent cavities. Some people are just more vulnerable to cavities than others. Your enamel may break down fast or it may take a long time regenerate with normal levels of fluoride. You may have a high-sugar diet that you are unwilling to change. Whatever the reason, if you have a history of cavities, that's a pretty good sign that you need a boost in fluoride to keep your enamel strong.

You don't use tap water. Most cities put fluoride into their tap water to help fight tooth decay. However, many people choose to drink bottled or filtered water. Or they have a well on their property that doesn't have a fluoride supplement. If you never use tap water for any purpose, then you may want to get dental fluoride treatments. Of course, you may get enough fluoride from food sources to make up for the loss of fluoride in your water. Consider your own dental history as a good indication of whether treatments are necessary.

Talk to your dentist too. He or she will likely give you fluoride at your regular cleanings. However, they can also consult with you about whether more treatments are necessary. Contact a clinic such a Ellsworth & Day DDS for more information.