How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride is a natural mineral in your teeth, certain foods, toothpaste, and tap water. Fluoride strengthens and protects your teeth against bacterial plaque and acids that cause decay and cavities. According to research, fluoridated community water helps to prevent tooth decay in adults and children by 25%. Keep reading to learn about fluoride treatments, what to expect, the frequency of treatments, and more.

What are Fluoride Treatments?

Most dentists offer fluoride treatments during routine dental check-ups and cleanings. Fluoride treatment involves applying fluoride to the teeth. Fluoride treatment often contains a higher fluoride concentration than alternative sources like tap water, food, or toothpaste.

You might be eligible for fluoride treatment if you:

• Have dental work like crowns, bridges, braces, and dentures. These restorations increase your risk of oral infections.
• Snack on sugary and acidic foods frequently. These foods increase your risk of enamel erosion, sensitivity, and cavities.
• Have a history of cavities. Fluoride treatment will help remineralize your teeth and stop future cavities.
• Have gum disease and receding gums. Fluoride treatment can help eliminate the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease.
• Dry mouth. Lack of enough saliva production and flow leads to increased bacteria and acids, which erode the teeth and cause decay.

Fluoride Treatment Procedure

The dentist can use a swab, brush, or tray to apply fluoride to the teeth during the treatment. The fluoride used can be in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. Once applied, the fluoride can sit on the teeth for several minutes or hours to maximize the benefits.

During this waiting time, do not brush your teeth or take hot items or alcohol. Once the directed time has erupted, you can brush your teeth and eat normally. If you need more fluoride, the dentist can recommend fluoride toothpaste and rinses at home. For fluoride treatments near you, visit our dental office near Shalimar.

How Often to Have Fluoride Treatments

You can have fluoride treatments every 3, 4, or 6 months based on your age and needs. Your dentist will evaluate your needs and recommend how frequently you should have fluoride treatments.

While fluoride treatments are highly effective and beneficial, they can be harmful when used in excess. For instance, fluoride can be toxic when ingested in high doses. However, the possibility of taking too much fluoride is extremely low. Similarly, excess fluoride is a risk factor for dental fluorosis or discoloration in young children whose permanent teeth are erupting and still developing.

During fluoride treatments, the dentist uses different concentrations of fluoride based on age. It ensures that children don’t get too much fluoride or adults don’t get insufficient treatment.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment has numerous benefits, including:

• Fluoride remineralizes your teeth. Naturally, your teeth contain minerals like calcium, fluoride, and phosphorous. These minerals are essential to maintain a strong tooth structure. Over time, these minerals break down, causing the tooth to weaken. Routine fluoride treatments restore lost minerals and strengthen your teeth.
• It prevent cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride treatments protect the teeth against acids and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities and decay.
• It helps manage cavities and gum disease. Routine fluoride treatments destroy the bacteria and acids that cause cavities and gum disease, promoting faster healing.
• It reduces sensitivity. Fluoride strengthens and remineralizes teeth, reducing tooth sensitivity.
• It saves you money. Routine fluoride treatments strengthen and protect your mouth against cavities, decay, and gum disease. It saves you the costs of dental treatments such as dental fillings, root canals, and crowns.

Other Tips to Maintain Excellent Oral Health

Along with routine fluoride treatments, use these tips to care for your mouth:

• Brush and floss daily.
• Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Avoid abrasive oral products.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Eat healthier. Avoid or limit sugary foods and beverages. If you take them, consider rinsing your mouth afterward.
• Use a mouthguard for bruxism and contact sports.
• Always stay hydrated.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Ready to schedule your next fluoride treatment in Shalimar, FL? Contact Complete Health Dentistry of the Emerald Coast for more information.