Is the fluoride treatment at the dentist really worth it?
Topical fluoride is applied directly to the teeth via toothpaste, mouth rinses and treatments at the dentist's office. Benefits of fluoride treatments An article published by NPR noted that fluoride helps repair weakened tooth enamel by replenishing lost calcium and phosphate — minerals naturally present in saliva.
Why should I get a fluoride treatment at the dentist?
You can get fluoride two ways: topically from toothpaste and treatments at the dentist systemically in water and dietary supplements
Should I get a fluoride treatment at the dentist?
Jul 02, 2020 · We are here to tell you, first and foremost, that not only is fluoride safe, but it is also highly beneficial to your overall oral health. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in water sources, and for optimal dental health, you should use fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and receive a fluoride treatment at your dental visits.
Why is a fluoride treatment at my dentist important?
A general dentist uses fluoride treatments to reverse the early stages of tooth decay and strengthen the teeth so they are less susceptible to decay. Fluoride treatments have been an essential part of modern dentistry, and they help keep teeth enamel healthy. Enamel is the outer layer of teeth that protects the more delicate inner layers.
Is fluoride treatment at dentist worth it?
Does Fluoride Have Other Benefits? Yes! Not only does fluoride prevent decay, it can also reduce root hypersensitivity such as cold sensitivity and sensitivity during dental cleanings, which can be common with gum recession.Jul 7, 2020
How long does a fluoride treatment last?
How long does fluoride varnish last? The fluoride varnish sticks to the teeth until brushed away the next day, however, the benefits of the fluoride will last for several months. Fluoride varnish needs to be reapplied every 3 to 4 months for best results.
Do fluoride treatments do anything?
A fluoride treatment will attack the bacteria causing the decay, slowing its progress and in many cases actually reversing the process. An application from your dentist may only take a short time, but the long-term benefits of a regular fluoride treatment are enormous.
How is a fluoride treatment done?
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 the fluoride and help repair microscopic areas of decay.
Do adults need fluoride?
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.Jul 29, 2021
Why do dentists put fluoride on teeth?
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.
Do I need fluoride in my toothpaste?
The benefit that you would have with fluoride in your toothpaste is that the fluoride will help reduce the demineralization process, which is the first stage to tooth decay.Aug 10, 2016
What do I do after a fluoride treatment?
You should avoid eating food for at least 6 hours after a fluoride treatment. If you must, then eat soft foods – greek yoghurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, ice cream, mashed bananas, and blended soups.
How long does fluoride take to work?
Some professional fluoride treatments require a waiting period of 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything. Fluoride varnishes adhere to the teeth for hours, and no waiting period is required. You may eat or drink immediately following its application.
Do I need fluoride?
Everyone needs to have some amount of fluoride, but if you have healthy teeth, you will probably get enough of it in your daily toothpaste and from your tap water. You should still read the labels on your toothpaste to make sure that it contains fluoride so that you are protecting your teeth every time you brush.
What happens if you swallow fluoride at the dentist?
Fluoride toxicity occurs when large amounts of fluoride are ingested over a short period of time. This can be dangerous to your health. Symptoms of fluoride toxicity may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased salivation or increased thirst.
Why is fluoride important for teeth?
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.
What is the purpose of fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents cavities. It restores minerals to tooth enamel and prevents harmful bacteria from building up in the mouth. Overdosing on fluoride can cause negative complications.
How to get fluoride?
You can get fluoride two ways: topically from toothpaste and treatments at the dentist. systemically in water and dietary supplements. According to the ADA, it’s best to get fluoride both topically and systemically. So, you still need to use fluoride toothpaste, even if your local water is boosted by added fluoride.
How old should a child be to brush their teeth?
If your child is under 3 years old, they should only brush their teeth with close supervision. Apply only a thin layer of fluoride toothpaste to their toothbrush. The toothpaste should cover less than half of the bristles or be no bigger than a grain of rice.
How much does insurance cover for fluoride?
Insurance usually covers fluoride treatments at the dentist for children. Adults, however, may pay $10 to $30 out of pocket, or more. Always ask your dentist about costs before treatment.
What happens if you break down enamel?
If the plaque breaks down the enamel layer, bacteria can infect and harm the nerves and blood at the core of the tooth. Read on to learn about fluoride treatment benefits, side effects, cost, and what to expect.
What is the best source of fluoride?
dry mouth, or decreased saliva. weak enamel. Common sources of dietary fluoride include: tea. water. food cooked in water. fish eaten with their bones. infant formula. Optimal fluoride intake comes from food, water, and supplements.
Why do my teeth need fluoride?
To start, regularly using fluoride is perhaps the #1 way to prevent cavities. Additionally, fluoride also repairs enamel, prevents tooth decay, and more.
What is a fluoride treatment like?
When we give our patients professional fluoride treatments, they often remark how thorough, yet how quick and painless the treatment was. We may either administer the fluoride treatment in gel form, as a solution, or as a varnish.
Contact the Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect.
How a general dentist protects your teeth with fluoride treatments
Fluoride treatments can come in the form of a varnish, gel, foam, or rinse. The treatment can be performed by having the patient rinse their mouth with the product, or it can be poured on a mouth tray that the patient bites down on. The fluoride-infused product can also be brushed onto the patient’s teeth if it comes in varnish form.
Protect your teeth with fluoride treatments
Most insurance providers cover fluoride treatments, and even if they do not, these are among the most affordable treatments that a dentist performs. So, give us a call or visit our Peabody clinic to set up a session with our general dentist.
Recent Posts
For patients who have been avoiding seeing a general dentist because of fear or apprehension, it may be helpful to know that they are not alone. A 2015 study published in Dental Research Journal found that 58.8% of dental patients surveyed experienced dental anxiety. For patients with severe dental phobia, there are several steps they…
What happens during a professional fluoride treatment?
Fluoride treatment is quick and easy. The process takes no more than a few minutes and you can go on with your daily activities.
What happens after a professional fluoride treatment?
After treatment, do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes. This allows your teeth to absorb the fluoride and repair microscopic areas of decay.
What are the benefits of fluoride treatment?
Protecting your smile is important. One of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy is by using products that contain fluoride, such as toothpaste and mouthwashes.
Book a dental consultation
Find a dentist near you to tell you more about getting started on this procedure.
Are there side effects to fluoride?
Like anything, too much fluoride can result in negative side effects and complications. If you’ve been prescribed a fluoride medication or treatment, follow the dosing instructions.
How much does a fluoride treatment cost?
Your oral and dental health are priceless! The good news is that fluoride treatment is relatively inexpensive.
Take charge of your dental health today
Undergoing routine fluoride treatments at the dentist and practicing good dental hygiene at home are the best ways to protect your smile. Prevent cavities and decay by taking care of your teeth.
What are the benefits of fluoride treatment?
In addition, people with certain conditions may be at increased risk of tooth decay and would therefore benefit from additional fluoride treatment. They include people with: 1 Dry mouth conditions: Also called xerostomia, dry mouth caused by diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, certain medications (such as allergy medications, antihistamines, anti anxiety drugs, and high blood pressure drugs ), and head and neck radiation treatment makes someone more prone to tooth decay. The lack of saliva makes it harder for food particles to be washed away and acids to be neutralized. 2 Gum disease: Gum disease, also called periodontitis, can expose more of your tooth and tooth roots to bacteria increasing the chance of tooth decay. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontitis. 3 History of frequent cavities: If you have one cavity every year or every other year, you might benefit from additional fluoride. 4 Presence of crowns and/or bridges or braces: These treatments can put teeth at risk for decay at the point where the crown meets the underlying tooth structure or around the brackets of orthodontic appliances.
How does fluoride affect teeth?
In children under 6 years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.
How often should I test my water for fluoride?
If you use a home water treatment system, have your water tested at least annually to establish the fluoride level your family is receiving in the treated water. Testing is available through local and state public health departments as well as private laboratories.
How much fluoride is removed from water?
Reverse osmosis systems remove between 65% and 95% of the fluoride. On the other hand, water softeners and charcoal/carbon filters generally do not remove fluoride. One exception: some activated carbon filters contain activated alumina that may remove over 80% of the fluoride.
What to do if you have concerns about fluoride?
Nonetheless, if you do have concerns or questions about the amount of fluoride you or your child may be receiving, talk to your child's dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor. A few useful reminders about fluoride include: Store fluoride supplements away from young children.
What is the cause of tooth decay?
The lack of saliva makes it harder for food particles to be washed away and acids to be neutralized. Gum disease: Gum disease, also called periodontitis, can expose more of your tooth and tooth roots to bacteria increasing the chance of tooth decay. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontitis.
How is fluoride lost?
Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth 's enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth 's enamel layer when acids -- formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth -- attack ...
