Fluoride supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm teeth and gums. Tooth enamel is the outer protective layer of each tooth. Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at high risk of developing dental caries, or cavities.
Full Answer
When should you get fluoride treatment?
In the case of adults, fluoride treatment recommendations vary. Different studies indicate a range of concentrations, doses, and frequencies of the treatment. When you are at a moderate to high risk for developing tooth decay, then professional fluoride treatment can help.
What are the benefits of fluoride treatments?
Fluoride treatments are often professional treatment that contains a high concentration of fluoride that your dentist or hygenist will apply to your teeth. With the help of these, they can help improve health and even reduce the risk of cavities. These in-office treatments may take the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish.
Is fluoride safe to use?
Several modes of fluoride use have evolved, each with its own recommended concentration, frequency of use, and dosage schedule. Concurrently, recent opposition has been growing worldwide against fluoridation, emphasizing the potential and serious risk of toxicity.
What are the different types of fluoride treatments?
These in-office treatments may take the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish. There are also some high-concentration fluoride treatments that people can use at home but only under the specific direction of a dentist.
What's the benefit of fluoride?
Fluoride prevents tooth decay by making teeth stronger and more resistant to acid attacks. It also helps with slowing down or stopping the decay process. When fluoride levels in water are at optimal levels, it helps to protect teeth against cavities.
When do you start fluoride drops?
Fluoride varnish is used to help prevent or slow down tooth decay. Your pediatrician will apply the varnish starting when your baby is 6 months old at well-child visits. It is painted on the top and sides of each tooth and hardens quickly.
What is fluoride good for teeth?
Fluoride helps to prevent cavities by binding to the tooth enamel, which is the hard-outer layer. It's primarily made of hydroxyapatite, a crystal composed of calcium, phosphorous, hydrogen and oxygen.
Which patients may benefit most from topical fluoride application?
Patients who are prone to tooth decay, have dry mouth or reduced salivary flow, have gum disease, have had head or neck radiation treatments, and patients who have chronic tooth sensitivity should also consider having topical fluoride applied at their dental appointments.
When Should fluoride supplements be used?
When Should Dietary Fluoride Supplements be Started? The greatest benefits occur if dietary fluoride supplements are taken each day throughout childhood, starting at 6 months of age.
When should you take fluoride tablets?
It is best to take after brushing the teeth at night. Do not eat or drink any dairy products within 1 hour of taking this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
What is fluoride quizlet?
Fluoride intake: fluoride is a systemic nutrient taken into the body by way of water that contains fluoride naturally or has been fluoridated, from prescribed dietary supplements, and, in small amounts, from foods.
What is fluoride treatment for adults?
Fluoride treatments re-mineralize tooth enamel and reduce that sensitivity. Patients who undergo radiation treatment for cancer also benefit from topical fluoride applications. Radiation damages saliva glands, thus greatly reducing the flow of saliva.
Is fluoride beneficial for adults?
However, adults benefit from fluoride, too. New research indicates that topical fluoride -- from toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments -- are as important in fighting tooth decay as in strengthening developing teeth.
Are fluoride treatments necessary for seniors?
In general, fluoride treatments are not always necessary for adults, but they can be beneficial to your overall oral hygiene depending on your situation.
Does my child need fluoride treatment?
Fluoride is recommended as part of a comprehensive tooth decay prevention program. Regular exposure to fluoride is safe, even for young infants. Even though fluoride is effective and safe, recent data showed that 13% of parents refused fluoride treatments for their child during a preventive dental or medical visit.