What are the advantages & disadvantages of Fluoride Treatment?

As a part of your regular dental care routine, your dentist can recommend fluoride application. Fluoride fights bacterial infection in the mouth and supports a healthy tooth structure. It’s especially important if you’re at a high risk of cavities or dental caries. Fluoride is a natural mineral, meaning that it’s safe to use. The most common sources of fluoride are tap water and over-the-counter fluoride-based toothpaste, and mouth rinses. You can also get fluoride treatment from your dentist’s office.

Fluoride treatments are essential for people of all ages. Children can get fluoride treatment as early as their first teeth appear. However, you should be careful when offering fluoride treatment to children. If too much fluoride is ingested, it can lead to dental fluorosis. For this reason, children should use fluoride-free toothpaste. However, professional fluoride from your dentist is safe. Consult a pediatric dentist near you, or visit our pediatric dentist in Tulsa for more information.

What is Fluoride Treatment?

Professional treatment only takes a few minutes. It can be applied in the form of gel, foam, or varnish. The dentist uses a swab, brush, or dental tray to deliver fluoride treatment in the mouth. For adults, dentists recommend getting fluoride treatments at least once per year.

For individuals at higher risk of tooth decay, you can use additional preventive measures such as prescribed fluoride gels, antibacterial mouth rinse, or gels. After the treatment, you should not drink or eat anything for the next 30 minutes or so. This allows the teeth to absorb the fluoride and repair the affected areas of decay.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

There are many reasons why fluoride treatments are good for you and your family. These include:

1. Protect your enamel

One of the key benefits of fluoride treatments is the ability to protect your teeth’s enamel. High consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks weakens your tooth’s enamel, making your teeth sensitive and susceptible to tooth caries. Getting fluoride treatments or using fluoride-based toothpaste can protect the teeth’s enamel from wearing down.

2. Remineralization

Over time, minerals on your teeth’s surface can get eroded due to bacterial activity and acidity. Regular fluoride treatments can restore these minerals, restoring your teeth’s strength.

3. Prevents cavities and gum disease

Patients at high risk of developing cavities or already have cavities can greatly benefit from fluoride treatments. Fluoride destroys the harmful bacteria in between the teeth and underneath the gums. This combats and prevents decay, cavities, and gum disease.

4. Saves you money

Prevention is always better than cure. By strengthening your teeth’s enamel and fighting off the harmful bacteria, your risk of having cavities and other dental conditions is significantly reduced. This eliminates the need for complex treatments in the future, such as root canals, dental crowns, and implants. The cost of fluoride treatments is far way less than that of treating possible dental issues.

5. Preserves your smile

Apart from strengthening teeth, regular fluoride treatments can whiten your teeth, giving you a natural and brighter smile. Similarly, as we’ve discussed above, fluoride protects your mouth from numerous issues such as teeth discoloration, gum disease, and tooth decay. Your oral hygiene, health, and smile are preserved.

6. Prevents sensitivity

When your enamel gets eroded due to acidity and bacterial activity, your teeth can become sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Fluoride treatment seals the tooth, preventing the tooth’s inner parts from being exposed. This reduces and prevents sensitivity.

Tips for Fluoride Treatments

After fluoride treatments, your dentist will give you some post-care tips such as:

• Do not consume anything for at least 30 minutes after the treatment. For the next 6 hours or so, be mindful of what you eat. Entirely avoid hot foods and beverages, alcoholics, or mouthwash. Cold drinks are fine.
• Eat soft foods – When you begin eating, stick to soft foods such as mashed potatoes, ice cream, mashed bananas, blended soup, yogurt, minced meat, and scrambled eggs.
• Wait for 4 – 6 hours before brushing – To prevent undoing the results, wait for at least 6 hours before flossing or brushing.

After the first day, you can go back to your normal dental routine.

• Floss at least once a day
• Brush twice daily
• Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• Avoid alcoholic and tobacco products
• Use a fluoride-based toothpaste (consult with your dentist)
• Schedule routine dental checkups and cleanings

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you ready for your next fluoride treatments in Tulsa, OK, or would you like to learn more about fluoride treatments? Contact All Smiles Pediatric for more information.