Skip to main content

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride natural minerals help to build strong teeth enamel and gums. Hence it helps to prevent teeth against damage by bacteria. Teeth with strong enamel also resist periodontal diseases and physical harm better than teeth with weak enamel. Although fluoride is also present in water, tea, fish eaten with bones, infant formula, and toothpaste, it can be supplied through a special fluoride treatment. The fluoride is applied to teeth physically and left for 30 minutes to absorb.

What are Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatment involves applying concentrated fluoride rinse, foam, gel, or varnish on teeth. The doctor will use a swab, brush, or tray. Alternatively, they can be delivered in a mouthwash. The fluoride will diffuse in the teeth. The doctor can advise you to abstain from eating for 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to absorb.

Fluoride treatments are also delivered through fluoride supplements and toothpaste. The supplements are taken only under prescription and can be in the form of a tablet, drop, or lozenge form. These are recommended for people who live in areas where water doesn’t have enough fluoride in them. They can be taken by adults and children aged above 6 months. A doctor can also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or gel for use at home. This is for those with a higher risk of developing tooth cavities.

Children aged under 6 years should not take fluoride treatments unless they are advised so by the doctor. Further, it is advisable to supervise children when taking fluoride treatments to ensure they do it in the right manner. Because of the taste of the toothpaste, most children will swallow it when brushing their teeth. Hence it may not be as effective. If not observed, children will also be more likely to eat foods immediately without allowing for 30 minutes necessary for absorption into the teeth. Besides, it is necessary to talk to the doctor about the fluoride needs of your children. You can initiate this debate on noticing damage to teeth.

Fluoride treatments can be administered to anyone without any specific teeth condition. In fact, it is recommended to take it every 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your oral health. You can take it once a year to maintain the condition of your teeth and prevent damage.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatment restores fluoride minerals on the surface of the teeth. It can therefore help to rebuild already damaged teeth. It hence prevents your teeth from bacterial damage by strengthening the teeth. It can also prevent the growth of these bacteria in your mouth. This will protect your teeth from developing cavities. Cavities are dangerous because they slowly eliminate teeth from the mouth. This affects your chewing and speech.

Fluoride treatments will also make your teeth strong enough to chew hard substances. You can take all manner and types of foods after this treatment. With a topical benefit from the applied fluoride, you can take all manner of beverages without problems such as teeth sensitivity. When enamel is damaged or eroded, teeth sensitivity is bound to happen. This is because it exposes the inner parts of the teeth which carry the nerves. When these nerves are tampered with, pain or sensitivity is experienced.

Fluoride also helps to kill other bacteria in the mouth and hence boost immunity against other oral diseases.

Who are Fluoride Treatments For?

Fluoride treatment is more suitable for people who are at a higher risk of developing dental caries or cavities. When bacteria start working on food particles stuck on teeth and this happens for a long time without cleaning, plaque builds up on the teeth. The plaque will produce acid. The acid will then start to eat away the enamel and the gum tissue. Bacteria then find their way into the nerves and blood at the center of the tooth.

Those who use drugs or alcohol excessively have a higher risk for cavities. Additionally, you are more likely to get cavities on a poor diet. Those with weak enamel, poor oral hygiene, eating disorders, and decreased saliva are also at a higher risk for cavities.

Special fluoride treatment is also suitable for children under 3 years. The best method of delivery is via fluoride toothpaste. Children can use this to brush their teeth daily using a toothbrush. The toothpaste is recommended for children of up to 6 years.

Top 10 Critical Things You Should Know Before You Select a Cosmetic Dentist

Learn More