Fluoride treatment
Dentists can provide professional fluoride treatments, reducing the risk of cavities and other oral health issues. Have you ever wondered about fluoride? This is actually a natural mineral, which helps us keep our teeth strong. Given its amazing properties, including the prevention of cavities, it should come as no surprise that it has been used for oral health for a long time now. This mineral can help the tooth enamel stay healthy, fighting potentially harmful bacteria and keeping both our teeth and gums problem-free.
What does the fluoride treatment entail?
The dentist will perform an initial examination of your teeth, so as to assess any potential issues and determine whether the fluoride treatment can be performed. If cavities or other similar dental problems are found, these will have to be treated first. X-rays might be taken for a complete overview of your oral health. If everything is all right, the dentist will go ahead with this professional treatment.
As you will be informed, the fluoride treatment is available in different forms, including varnish, gel, foam, or mouthwash. It might be applied with a swab or brush, and even a tray for more complex applications. Highly concentrated rinses are always given as mouthwash. Even though such treatments can be done at home, keep in mind that the one at the dentist office delivers the best results. This is because it contains more fluoride and is applied by someone with experience. The entire treatment lasts only several minutes and there is no discomfort involved.
How long after the fluoride treatment can I eat?
The dentist will advise you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for about half an hour after the fluoride treatment. This is the necessary for the fluoride to be properly absorbed, so as to make sure that your teeth are rightfully protected. Depending on the application, the recommendation to refrain from eating might extend to four or six hours. Afterwards, you can resume your normal eating and drinking habits.
When can I brush my teeth after the fluoride treatment?
It is worth remembering that the fluoride treatment will remain on the teeth for several hours or more. The dentist might instruct you not to brush your teeth, especially immediately after the treatment. You might receive additional instructions, which are crucial to the success of the respective applications. For instance, you are to avoid hot drinks, especially staining beverages, such as tea or coffee.
The same goes for alcohol and spicy foods, as well as any other fluoride-containing products. The amount of fluoride coming from the treatment is enough, so you should avoid using any products containing fluoride for three or four days after the treatment. Once you have passed the recommended timeframe, it is recommended to brush your teeth thoroughly, in order to get rid of any excess fluoride that your teeth might not have absorbed.
Benefits of fluoride treatments
The fluoride treatment is meant to keep your teeth healthy. The minerals in fluoride will reach the tooth surface, restoring the areas where bacteria might have eroded the enamel. In addition, this treatment can actually prevent harmful bacteria from growing, preventing new cavities. Even though fluoride cannot remove tooth decay, it can make your teeth stronger reducing the risk of bacteria reaching the inner part of teeth. Both children and adults stand a lot to gain from such treatments.
According to recent studies, there are a lot of benefits to be derived from professional fluoride treatments. Fluoride helps the body make better use of minerals such as phosphate and calcium, helping the tooth enamel become stronger. As you will see for yourself, the teeth will become less vulnerable to bacteria and associated dental issues. Such treatments might reduce the risk of cavities, but they will also slow the growth of cavities, delaying the need for invasive treatments. On the long run, it prevents gum disease and the premature loss of teeth, improving oral health in general.
How much does the fluoride treatment cost?
The cost of the fluoride treatment is usually covered by dental insurance plans, especially when it comes to children. If the insurance does not cover it, you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 for such treatments. Before scheduling an appointment with your dentist, it might be a good idea to inquire about the associated costs. You might also want to check in with your insurance provider, so as to check whether your insurance covers such treatments or not.
Is fluoride treatment necessary in adults?
Yes, the fluoride treatment is necessary in adults, as it represents one of the simplest methods to protect your teeth from decay. According to the American Dental Association, professional fluoride treatments should be done every six months or once a year, depending on one's oral health. They can be done more often if the situation requires it, for instance every three months. For those who are at risk of developing cavities, the dentist might also prescribe at-home fluoride treatments, in the form of rinses or gels.
The most important thing to remember is that regular fluoride treatments will hinder the production of acid, helping with remineralization. This means that fluoride treatments are just as beneficial for adults, as they are for children, as they prevent cavities in all age categories.
Fluoride treatment for kids – when is it recommended?
Children should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste in order to prevent cavities. They might benefit from professional fluoride treatments, particularly if they are at risk of developing cavities as well. It is believed that the administration of such treatments from an early age significantly reduces the risk of developing cavities. Children who receive fluoride on a regular basis are less likely to deal with tooth decay and other oral health issues.
Starting with the age of three, children can benefit from two fluoride treatments per year. The fluoride varnish is commonly used in this age category. If the child in question already has cavities or presents a high risk of such issues, the treatments can be performed more often. It is for the best to ask the dentist's advice with regard to such matters. Recent studies have shown that such treatments can prolong the life of baby teeth. Do not worry, as the fluoride varnish applied at the dentist's office is safe and does not put one at risk of fluorosis. Only a small amount of fluoride is used, so there are no reasons to be concerned.
It is a known fact that fluoride can penetrate the tooth enamel, thus making it stronger and less prone to decay. Fluoride can help with remineralization, which is a significant benefit to consider. With children who still have their baby teeth, it is worth mentioning that the fluoride will actually be incorporated into the permanent teeth, which are still developing underneath the gums. When these will erupt, the risk of cavities will be significantly reduced, all thanks to the fluoride treatments.
While foam and gels in a fluoride tray is the preferred method for adults, the treatments for kids are usually available as varnish, as previously mentioned. The varnish is practically painted on the child's teeth, after they have been thoroughly cleaned. The treatment is completed within minutes, without any pain involved. Children seem to tolerate the varnish better than other treatment forms, as there is no risk of being swallowed or licked off. Just like adults, kids should wait for a couple of hours before eating or drinking, as well as brushing their teeth.
Does the fluoride treatment have side effects?
It is worth mentioning that the fluoride treatment performed at the dentist office does not have any side effects. However, there is such a thing as too much fluoride, especially with at-home treatments or toothpaste. If your child’s toothpaste contains fluoride, you should make sure that he/she does not use more than recommended. The appearance of the teeth can be revelatory for too much fluoride; if the teeth have white specks, are stained or pitted, it might be a good idea to schedule a visit at the dentist and inquire about such matters.
Too much fluoride can lead to a condition that is known as fluorosis. This is especially seen in children who have ingested too much fluoride, while their teeth are still growing. Small children might not be able to spit the toothpaste out, hence the obvious risk of ingesting fluoride. This is the reason why they should only use a minuscule amount of toothpaste, under the direct supervision of an adult. It is for the best to avoid flavored toothpaste, as kids tend to swallow it. Fluoridated toothpaste should be used as soon as the first tooth has erupted or at least after the age of two, so as to protect the teeth from cavities and other oral health issues. The accidental swallowing of toothpaste does not put one at risk of developing fluorosis. Children under the age of six should not use at-home fluoride treatments, given the obvious risks.
What else should I know about fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that is necessary for oral health. It prevents the buildup of plaque, which in turn can damage the teeth. Aside from professional fluoride treatments, there are at-home treatments and supplements available. The daily diet, including the water we drink, can contribute to an optimal intake of fluoride. Children need less fluoride and parents should always be on the lookout for the signs of fluorosis, which might suggest that they are ingesting too much of this mineral.
In most countries, fluoride has been added to both toothpaste and drinking water, so as to reduce the risk of cavities. There is also such a thing as acute fluoride toxicity, which is often the result of taking too many fluoride supplements. Common symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, excessive tiredness, and profuse sweating. As these supplements are only meant for adults, they should be kept out of reach of children. You might also consider talking to your dentist about the need to take these supplements. They should always be prescribed by a doctor and taken exactly as instructed.
Children should be exposed to fluoride between the ages of six months and sixteen years. This is when they are developing their teeth, including the permanent ones. However, it is worth remembering that adults will benefit just as much from the fluoride intake. Certain medical conditions come with an increased risk of tooth decay, so such patients are recommended to request additional fluoride treatments. These conditions include: dry mouth syndrome, gum disease, history of frequent cavities, other dental treatments present (crowns, bridges, braces). It is essential to discuss your medical history with your dentist, before proceeding with the actual fluoride treatment.
The dentist might prescribe a fluoride mouth rinse to use at home, as this can also reduce the risk of dental problems. This should be used on a daily basis and it does not replace the toothpaste. It is recommended to use the rinse at a different time to brushing, in order to benefit from the toothpaste fluoride. Also, remember that tap water is fluoridated, so you have another source of fluoride right in your own home. You can check the community water fluoridation scheme in your own town, making an appointment with the local authorities.
The fluoride treatment performed at the dentist's office can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy. As you have seen, such treatments are available for both kids and adults, reducing the risk of cavities and other dental problems. The most important thing is to follow the after-care instructions, maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Refrain from eating and drinking for several hours after the treatment. The same goes for brushing your teeth, as you want to give the treatment plenty of time to work its magic. Check with your insurance provider to make sure that your insurance plan covers such treatments, and don’t forget to schedule an appointment for your little ones as well.
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