Fluoride Treatments

in Calabash, NC

A quick, painless fluorideapplication strengthens enamel and helps your teeth resist the acid attacksthat cause cavities — and it matters more here than in many towns, for onespecific reason: well water.

Why fluoride is a bigger deal in Calabash than you might think

Many neighborhoods aroundCalabash, Sunset Beach, and unincorporated Brunswick County rely on privatewells rather than a municipal water system. Well water is almost neverfluoridated, which means households on wells don't get the low, steady level ofcavity protection that public water systems provide in a lot of other towns. Ifyou're on a well — or you're not sure whether your water is fluoridated — aprofessional fluoride treatment is one of the easiest ways to close that gap.

How it works

Fluoride gets absorbed into theouter layer of your teeth and makes the enamel more resistant to the acidproduced by plaque bacteria. It can also help reverse very early stages ofdecay before a cavity ever forms. In our office, we apply a concentrated fluoridevarnish or gel directly to your teeth — it takes just a few minutes, tastes farbetter than it used to, and needs no rinsing for a short period afterward.

• Fast — usually added onto the end of a cleaning or examvisit

• No discomfort or anesthesia required

• Safe for kids, teens, and adults at appropriate doses

• Especially recommended for well-water households, drymouth, braces, and a history of frequent cavities

Who should consider it

Children & teens

Developing teeth benefit themost from extra fluoride exposure, particularly while permanent molars arestill forming grooves that are prone to decay.

Adults with risk factors

Dry mouth from medications, ahistory of cavities, gum recession that exposes root surfaces, or orthodonticappliances all raise your cavity risk and respond well to added fluoride.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my well water has fluoride in it?

Most private wells in this areado not, but the only way to know for certain is a water test. Either way, wecan talk through whether an in-office treatment makes sense for your householdduring your next visit.

Is fluoride treatment only for kids?

No — while it's routine forchildren, plenty of adults benefit too, especially anyone with dry mouth, gumrecession, or a higher-than-average cavity rate.