Professional Fluoride Treatments: Your Top Questions Answered

27 September 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Fluoride treatments are among the most common treatments at any dental office. Your dentist will encourage this treatment, as it is crucial in maintaining and improving the health of your teeth.

About Fluoride Treatments: How It Improves Oral Health

At the dental office, the dentist will administer fluoride treatments by applying the fluoride directly to your teeth. The primary benefit of fluoride for oral health is that it helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay. This natural mineral strengthens teeth, helping them to stay strong and quite hardy against decay. Again, fluoride does more than just prevent cavities; it has been said that it can help to improve some minor cavities.

Is It Safe?

Are fluoride treatments safe? That may very well be the first question you will want to ask your dentist before getting the treatment. The short answer is yes, fluoride treatments are very safe and highly effective for people of all ages.

On the other hand, for all its benefits, excessive fluoride is not good for your teeth. While just the right amount of fluoride will boost your protection against cavities, too much of it may lead to dental fluorosis. It is worth noting that this is an entirely harmless condition. You would, however, have to contend with having white spots on your teeth. Dental fluorosis is more common among children than it is in adults.

How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatments?

Your dentist will recommend a treatment frequency based on factors such as your oral and overall health, as well as your estimated risk of developing cavities.

Kids, for example, should do 2-4 fluoride treatments in a year. As pointed out, fluoride is completely safe for all ages, so you should have treatments for your child early if you can. These treatments are especially helpful for strengthening the permanent teeth replacing baby teeth in growing children.

The same frequency applies to adults, depending on the various factors outlined. If you have periodontal disease, fluoride treatments will more than likely be a part of your regular treatment at the dental office.

Why Fluoride-Rich Foods and Products Are No Substitute

There are more than a few foods which contain fluoride. There are also fluoridated kinds of toothpaste, rinses, and mouthwashes. Fluoride is also commonly added to water. While the fluoride intake in these forms is beneficial, it surely is not sufficient. Fluoride treatments at the dental office involve more concentrated doses, which will guarantee the added protection against cavities that your teeth require.