What Does Fluoride Treatment Do?

What Is Fluoride Treatment?

It is a dental procedure for applying fluoride to the teeth to strengthen them and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in soil, food, and water. It is responsible for strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth.

How Does the Treatment Work?

A dentist or dental hygienist can administer fluoride treatment during a regular dental visit. The treatment entails applying a gel, foam, or varnish of highly concentrated fluoride on your teeth. The dentist will leave it on the teeth for a few minutes. Afterward, you can leave the dental office and anticipate strong and healthy teeth.

Who Needs Fluoride Treatment?

Usually, dentists emphasize fluoride treatment for patients from a young age, to build strong and healthy teeth for a lifetime. However, even adults can benefit from the treatment if they get it in good timing.

Generally, the treatment is especially beneficial for people at higher risk for tooth decay, such as:

1. A history of cavities
2. Regular consumption of a diet high in sugar or carbohydrates
3. Wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances for a prolonged period – can make it more difficult to clean the teeth effectively.
4. Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of the teeth can make them more susceptible to decay.
5. Dry mouth (xerostomia) syndrome, causing you to produce less saliva

What Are the Side Effects of Fluoride Treatment?

While fluoride treatment in SC, 29649, is generally safe and effective, it is important to use it in moderation. Usually, excessive fluoride intake can lead to other oral complications. Therefore, you should determine to use fluoride with the guidance of a professional, which makes side effects rare and typically mild. If not, you are likely to suffer various oral complications, including:

1. Stomach upset: Swallowing fluoride can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake, either from the environment or from overuse of fluoride products, causes fluorosis. It is a dental discoloration featuring white or brown spots on the teeth.
3. Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to fluoride, leading to hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
4. Tooth sensitivity: It is particularly common if they have existing tooth sensitivity or enamel erosion.
5. Upset of the oral microbiome: Fluoride is known to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. However, if administered in large doses, fluoride can also kill good bacteria that maintain a healthy balance of oral microbiota in the mouth.

How Long Does a Fluoride Treatment Last?

Generally, it should take about 45 minutes to complete your fluoride treatment in a dental office. It can take longer if you need other treatments like teeth cleaning beforehand.

Generally, fluoride treatment near you is not permanent. The treatment can protect against tooth decay for 3 to 6 months before you need retreatment. The duration of the benefits of fluoride treatment depends on factors such as:

1. Age: Children may require more frequent fluoride treatments as their teeth are still developing and more susceptible to decay.
2. Diet: Consuming a high-sugar or high-carbohydrate diet may necessitate more frequent fluoride treatments to counteract the increased risk of tooth decay.
3. Oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing, along with other good oral hygiene habits, can maintain the benefits of fluoride treatment for longer.
4. Fluoride exposure: If you regularly use fluoride toothpaste or drink fluoridated water, you may require less frequent fluoride treatments near you.

Is Fluoride Treatment at Dentist Worth It?

When the dentist near you emphasizes the benefits of fluoride treatment for your oral health, there must be a reason. Some of the reasons that make fluoride treatment at Kids First Dental worth it are:

1. It strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
2. It can reverse dental cavities in early formation stages to prevent advanced decay and permanent damage.
3. Fluoride treatment near you can reduce tooth sensitivity by protecting exposed tooth roots.
4. It is a relatively low-cost preventive procedure that can prevent costly and time-consuming dental treatments later.
5. It is a quick, safe, and effective way for maintaining a healthy smile by avoiding potential oral infections.