Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is well-known for its ability to help build strong teeth and prevent cavities. The mineral has been used for many years, and most of the US tap water is fluoridated. Nowadays, treatment is also conducted in dental clinics.
In this article, we will learn more about this treatment and clear up some myths that exist about it.
What Happens during In-office Fluoride Treatment?
Dentists have been providing fluoride treatment for many years in the form of foams, gels, rinse, and varnishes, which are highly concentrated. The treatment can be applied with a tray, brush, swab, or mouthwash.
The treatments have more fluoride than fluoridated water and toothpaste. Don’t panic, though. It can’t affect your teeth. Dentists know the fluoride treatment rules, so it is applied correctly. The treatment takes a few minutes, so you can visit a clinic even without an appointment.
The dentist will advise you not to drink or eat for about 30 minutes so that your teeth can fully absorb the fluoride. Ensure to inform your dentist about your full health history. This way, he will choose the perfect treatment for you.
How Much Does it Cost?
Among all dental treatments, fluoride treatment might be the cheapest. For adults, the cost is between $10 and $30. The insurance usually covers the cost of kids. However, you should talk to the dentist and confirm if he accepts insurance or not.
How Much Fluoride is enough?
ADA recommends that this treatment should be conducted every three to 12 months. It depends on your oral health. If the risk of cavities is high, then you need to visit the dentist every three months. If it is low, then six to 12 months can work. Your dentist might recommend a fluoride rinse or gel that you should use at home.
Talk to your dentist, and he will advise you on how regular you should visit him. The risk of cavities increases due to some of the following reasons:
- Eating disorders
- Excessive use of alcohol and prohibited drugs
- Failure to visit the dentist regularly
- Poor diet
- Decreased saliva or dry mouth
- Weak enamel
You can get fluoride from some foods and drinks such as tea, infant formula, water, fish eaten with bone, and food cooked with fluoridated water. The recommended amounts of fluoride are as follows:
- A child between zero and three years old should have around 1.5 mg daily
- For kids between four and six years old, they should take between one and 2.5 mg daily
- Kids between seven and ten should take between 1.5 mg and 2.5 mg
- 1.5 to 4 mg of fluoride is recommended to teens and adults
If your kid is less than three years old, you should supervise him/her carefully while brushing his/her teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride. Kids between three and six can do it on their own, but from time to time, you should check if they spit it out.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
- Fluoride can inhibit cavity-causing bacteria, which can help prevent cavities.
- Fluoride creates a strong tooth surface which can help stop decay from attacking the deeper parts of your tooth
- The treatment strengthens your teeth
- Delays the need for expensive dental treatment which saves you money
The therapy plays a role in improving your overall health. Your dental health reflects your overall health, so if your dental health is okay, then your overall health is likely going to be okay.
Myths about Fluoride Treatment
People who use fluoridated water develop fluorosis. Fluorosis only occurs if a person takes very high amounts of the mineral. This should not be a problem if you follow fluoride treatment rules.
Fluoride is dangerous to kids. That’s not true, as long as it is used correctly, your child’s health cannot be compromised. In fact, it improves the lifetime of your kid’s baby teeth and strengthens them
Fluoridated water causes cancer. Some people don’t take fluoridated water because they believe it increases the risk of cancer. That’s not true. A lot of studies have been conducted, and none has shown that fluoridated water increases the risk of cancer.
Landmark Smiles
If you are looking for a fluoride treatment in Scottsdale, you are in the right place. We have been serving Scottsdale Patients for more than ten years, and you can count on our experience. We serve patients of all ages so you can book an appointment for all your family. Book the appointment now!