Fluoride Treatment: What is It And What Are Its Benefits?
You have probably heard of the harmful effects of cavities on teeth and general health. You maintain proper oral hygiene and visit a dentist for dental exams and cleanings. Dentists recommend dental fluoride treatment to assist you in the prevention of cavities. Please continue reading for more on fluoride treatment and its benefits.
What Is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally. It aids in developing strong teeth and preventing cavities. Fluoride gets into our bodies systemically through tap water and dietary supplements. However, the amount that systemically gets into the body is not enough to help in preventing and reversing dental decay.
You can achieve extra fortification against decay by applying fluoride topically to your teeth. Fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, and treatments are used. A dentist administers dental fluoride treatment for both adults and kids. Fluoride also helps prevent gum disease, reduce tooth pain and prevent premature tooth loss. It is recommended for individuals with:
- Fissures and deep pits on the teeth’s chewing surfaces
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Inadequate exposure to systemic fluoride
- Low saliva production
- Sensitive and exposed tooth root surfaces
- A recent history of tooth decay
Benefits of Fluoride and Fluoride Treatments
Reduce the risk of tooth cavities
Fluoride and fluoride treatments reduce the risk of cavities by strengthening the tooth enamel. If the outer surface of the teeth is firm, it keeps decay from penetrating the inner parts of the tooth and causing cavities. People with a high risk of cavities require treatment for cavity reduction.
Slow the growth of cavities
They slow the growth of cavities by fighting the bacteria that lead to plaque buildup. When small cavities form on teeth, fluoride slows them from growing bigger by remineralizing the enamel.
Delay the need for expensive dental work
Cavities break down the tooth enamel allowing bacteria to enter the dentin and tooth pulp. The bacteria infect teeth, nerves, and roots. As a result, you experience severe dental pain, tooth sensitivity, and tooth loss. Treating these issues or restoring teeth after tooth loss is expensive. Therefore, fluoride treatment delays or eliminates the need for costly dental work.
Prolong the life of baby teeth
Children are susceptible to cavities since they love sugary treats and do not adequately clean their teeth. Cavities lead to premature baby tooth loss, affecting the development of permanent teeth. Fluoride water, toothpaste, and treatments help reduce the child’s risk of tooth cavities and prolong the life of primary teeth.
What Happens During a Professional Fluoride Treatment?
Professional fluoride treatment is a non-invasive procedure that takes a few minutes to complete. First, your dentist near Beverly Hills will ask for a complete dental and general health history. Next, the dental expert will examine your teeth for cavities, thoroughly clean them, and dry them. Finally, the teeth are dried using a cotton cloth to promote the proper absorption of fluoride.
The next stage involves the application of fluoride to your teeth by the dentist. It may be in a gel, varnish, a highly concentrated rinse, or foam. The dosage of fluoride used by the dentist is higher and requires close monitoring so that you do not ingest it. Your dentist near you will use a swab, dental tray, or brush to apply the fluoride.
After application, you will be asked to wait for half an hour before drinking or eating anything. However, if you have had fluoride varnish applied to your teeth, you may consume anything immediately.
How Effective Is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment is quite effective in preventing and reversing cavities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend fluoride use. They state that it has reduced dental decay by approximately 25%. In several towns, public health services have increased the amount of fluoride in tap water. This is done to help the inhabitants reduce tooth decay.
At Toothopia Dental, we join you and your entire family in the fight against tooth decay through dental fluoride treatments. We provide professional fluoride treatments and prescribe fluoride supplements for home use. In addition, you can schedule an appointment for a dental assessment. It helps the dentist to recommend the right amount of fluoride you need.