How to Use Fluoride to Prevent Root Canal

Fluoride is a substance that strengthens the teeth and enamel (hard outer coating on teeth), fights tooth decay and helps to repair early damage to teeth. Many people use fluoride products in order to ensure their teeth remain healthy and strong. Since fluoride is safe to use in the comfort of your home, most dental health professionals recommend using toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain this substance. It is rather easy to care for your teeth and prevent tooth decay, and there are a few things that you can do to use fluoride to prevent root canal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Toothpaste that contains fluoride
• Mouth rinse that contains fluoride
• Dietary fluoride supplements (tablets, lozenges, or liquids)
• Fluoride drinking water and beverages

1. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a regular check-up. The dentist or dental hygienist can clean your teeth with a fluoride paste. He may also apply other professional fluoride products to your teeth, such as high-concentration fluoride compounds, fluoride gels and foams and fluoride varnish (painted directly onto the teeth). All of these products are proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay and root canal.
2. Use a fluoride toothpaste daily. Many name brand toothpastes contain fluoride and you should utilize this product on a daily basis. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day (once in the morning and once before going to bed). Always gently brush your teeth in a circular motion (for at least two minutes) and be sure to brush all of your teeth.
3. Rinse your mouth daily with a fluoride mouth rinse. You should use a mouth rinse every day and make sure that you rinse for at least 30 seconds before spitting out the mouth rinse. Higher strength mouth rinses are available for those who are at a high risk for developing tooth decay. However, these particular mouth rinses must be prescribed by a dentist or physician.
4. Drink products that contain fluoride. Many stores carry fluoridated drinking water and processed beverages (with fluoride). Be sure to carefully read the label to ensure that you are purchasing a product with fluoride.
5. Take a dietary fluoride supplement. Fluoride supplements come in the form of tablets, lozenges and liquids and they must be prescribed by a dentist or physician. The tablets and lozenges can be chewed or sucked and the liquid is used with a dropper. Make sure that you chew or suck the tablets/lozenges for 1 to 2 minutes before swallowing.

Tips & Warnings

• Fluoride can stain your teeth if used too frequently or used incorrectly. Your dentist can tell you how much fluoride to use each day in order to prevent root canal.