Is the fluoride treatment at the dentist really worth it?
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.
Why should I get a fluoride treatment at the dentist?
The Mayo Clinic states the following recommended daily amounts of fluoride:
- Birth to 3 years of age: 0.1 to 1.5 milligrams (mg)
- 4 to 6 years of age: 1 to 2.5 mg
- 7 to 10 years of age: 1.5 to 2.5 mg
- Adolescents and adults: 1.5 to 4 mg
Should I get a fluoride treatment at the dentist?
Yes, fluoride treatments at the dentist are effective because fluoride is applied directly to teeth, usually as a gel, foam, or varnish. Direct application allows tooth enamel to quickly absorb the fluoride. Fluoride varnish is “painted” onto teeth while fluoride foam is placed into a mouthguard-like tray and set in the mouth for 3-5 minutes.
Why is a fluoride treatment at my dentist important?
Fluoride is a significant element used to defend the teeth from bacteria and plaque buildup. It will help strengthen the dental enamel and reverse the process of tooth decay. The process of applying fluoride to teeth is known as ‘Mineralization’. On the other hand, ‘Demineralization’ is the process of tooth decay from acid, bacteria ...
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Are dental fluoride treatments worth it?
Many adults wonder, “Are fluoride treatments beneficial for adults?” The answer is yes. All adults can benefit from a dental fluoride treatment, especially those at a higher risk for tooth decay. Insurance doesn't normally cover fluoride for adults, but the price is usually only around $20-40—well worth the extra cost.
What are the benefits of fluoride treatment at the dentist?
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay.
Why do dentists put fluoride on teeth?
Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel (outer coating on teeth). Keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities.
Is fluoride necessary for adults?
In general, fluoride treatments are not always necessary for adults, but they can be beneficial to your overall oral hygiene depending on your situation.
Do you need fluoride?
Yes, it is specifically important for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to be exposed to fluoride. It becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize teeth. But it's still very important to continue to use it as an adult.
How often should you have a fluoride treatment at the dentist?
It has been recommended by the American Dental Association that professional fluoride treatments at the dentist's office are necessary every three, six, or 12 months depending on the oral health of the individual.
What are the cons of fluoride?
The cons of fluoride Certain studies have shown that fluoride may contribute to weakening the bones and maybe even the joint's connective tissues. Fluoride also causes a condition known as fluorosis, which causes tooth discoloration.
Are fluoride rinses effective?
Fluoride mouth rinses join into the tooth structure during the development of the teeth to strengthen its enamel, making them less exposed to bacteria and cavities for life. Fluoride mouthwashes can slow down or even reverse the development of cavities during its earlier stage by harming bacteria that cause cavities.
How often should adults get fluoride treatment?
Fluoride treatments are important for adults as well. They are an effective way to prevent cavities and other oral health issues, especially as teeth naturally weaken over time. Adults should receive 2–4 fluoride treatments per year, depending on their overall oral health.
Why do I need fluoride treatment?
As you get older, you become more susceptible to certain dental conditions, such as gum disease or tooth and root decay. Fluoride treatments can help to strengthen and protect your teeth, preventing your need for invasive and expensive procedures in the future.
What happens when you stop using fluoride toothpaste?
A new report concludes that without fluoride, toothbrushing and other oral care efforts have "no impact" on cavity prevention.
Do you need fluoride after certain age?
Many dentists and hygienists recommend fluoride treatments for their adult patients. You might ask yourself, “Do I really need a fluoride treatment? I thought those were just for my kids.” After all, most insurance plans cover fluoride treatments only up to the age of 18.
Why do dentists use fluoride?
Ask your dentist for a fluoride treatment for your teeth to help protect and remineralize enamel, helping reduce the likelihood of a cavity. Now that's something to smile about! Learn more about fluoride and how these treatments can benefit you.
How long does it take to get fluoride out of your mouth?
Professional fluoride treatments usually only take a few minutes. The fluoride might come in the form of a gel, foam or varnish. It can be applied with a swab or brush or placed in a tray held in the mouth for a few minutes. After the treatment is applied, don't eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow your teeth to absorb ...
How long should you wait to eat after fluoride treatment?
After the treatment is applied, don't eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic areas of decay. Depending on your oral health, your dentist might recommend fluoride treatments every 6–12 months.
What is the best treatment for tooth decay?
If you're at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, your dentist might also recommend other preventive measures, such as over-the-counter or prescription fluoride mouth rinses or gels, or an antibacterial mouth rinse. Ask your dentist about the benefits of fluoride treatments, and keep up your daily dental hygiene regimen.
What is fluoride in water?
What is fluoride? Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that helps rebuild tooth enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. Your body takes in fluoride in two ways: systemically and topically. Systemic fluorides are swallowed, including fluoridated water (most tap water) and dietary fluoride supplements.
Can kids get fluoride?
Fluoride treatments for kids. According to Stanford Children's Health, children can begin getting fluoride treatments at the dentist once their first tooth appears. However, be aware that children under two years old should still use a fluoride-free toothpaste.
Is fluoride good for teeth?
Fluoride treatments applied by a dentist are especially good for people with a higher risk for tooth decay or erosion. If you have dry mouth, weak enamel, poor oral health or if you have crowns, ask your dentist if applying a fluoride varnish would help protect your teeth.
Safe for Children and Adults
There are many ways to incorporate fluoride in your daily oral hygiene routine. For example, you may use an over-the-counter fluoride rinse or toothpaste to help remineralize your enamel. Most public drinking water supplies are also fluoridated.
Reduces Your Risk of Cavities
There’s never a good time to get a toothache. Whether you’re on vacation or in the middle of an important meeting, a toothache can ruin your whole day. But a fluoride treatment can help prevent a toothache from happening in the first place.
Reverses Early Tooth Decay
If you have signs of early tooth decay, fluoride can help remineralize your teeth. In other words, we’re able to reverse the beginning signs of decay so your smile can return to optimal health. If you have a larger cavity that can’t be reversed, fluoride can help prevent future decay until you’re able to get a composite filling or CEREC crown.
When to use fluoride after cleaning teeth?
The best time it can be used is right after the cleaning which allows better application and absorption by your teeth.
How often should I use fluoride?
Fluoride is very useful and if you have it every 6 months to a year, that's good. You should also practise good oral hygiene. Sophia Bednarski Dentist St. Louis, Missouri. If you have many restorations in your mouth or any decalcified enamel in your teeth or dry mouth syndrome, the fluoride treatment is all worth it.
Can children get fluoride at the dentist?
Tim J. Patel Dentist Walnut Creek, California. Yes, Fluoride treatments received at your dentists office are crucial for children up until the 14th Birthday, assuming that children visit the dentist every 6 months.
Is fluoride varnish toxic?
Fluoride varnish (that is what I am assuming your dentist is talking about) is something that is meant to stay on your teeth for a while to give you full effect. Fluoride treatment helps with remineralization of teeth and makes them less cavity prone, but if you are using ACT every day, you may not necessarily need extra. Too much fluoride can also be toxic.
Does fluoride help with tooth decay?
The fluoride increases the strength of the tooth to resist decay. It will help to protect your teeth and the dental work you have invested in. It will also help to decrease tooth sensitivity. Dr. Marc N. Benhuri Dentist New York, New York. Yes, both for children and older adults.
Does fluoride help with caries?
Fluoride accumulates in the teeth and has a sustained benefit of fighting dental caries. We also recommend Fluoride for patients with non lingering hypersensitivity to hot and cold. We also recommend Fluoride for patients who are on the process of bleaching their teeth. Kenneth Hamin Dentist Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Should I get fluoride after a tooth cleaning?
I would recommend getting a fluoride treatment after your cleaning. When you get your teeth scaled at a cleaning appointment, the protective enamel layer on the root surface sometimes gets disturbed. Applying fluoride right after the cleaning helps to re-harden this layer.
How often should I brush my teeth with fluoride?
If however you do decide that you would like to forego fluoride at the dental office, I would recommend that you brush at least 3 times a day, always floss in the evening, and avoid frequent or long periods of snacking to give your child a better chance at not getting a cavity.
How to prevent cavities from developing?
Incipient cavities or pre-cavity spots, which typically appear as brown stains or white spots on the tooth can be strengthened by applying fluoride to those areas. It has been shown that fluoride treatment can prevent these areas from developing into full blown cavities with regular brushing
What is the best treatment for decay in children?
If your child is too young or too anxious to sit for treatment, a special kind of fluoride medication is recommended, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF). This special type of fluoride can stop decay from getting worse and works to reinforce the area from decay in the future thanks to the silver ion. This prevents bacteria from eating further through the tooth. SDF is gaining popularity as a delay tactic for young or anxious children. The one downside to Silver Diamine Fluoride is that it will stain the areas of decay black.
