What is a Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatments from our team at Made Ya Smile Dental can help protect your family's oral health against tooth decay. A natural element found in water, certain foods, and soil, fluoride is regarded by the American Dental Association (ADA), World Health Organization (WHO), and American Medical Association (AMA), along with other medical groups for the cavity-prevention effects it has on teeth. Municipalities that add fluoride to their drinking water experienced a reduced incidence of cavities in the citizens who live there. Fluoride strengthens teeth and bones and can be an integral part of preventing tooth decay in patients of all ages.
To provide comprehensive solutions for your family, our general dentists may recommend in-office fluoride treatments during your routine cleaning appointments and prescription fluoride paste, fluoride varnish, or supplements for use at home. Children, teens, and adults who are prone to tooth decay may all benefit from professional fluoride treatments. Learn more about how fluoride can protect your family's smiles and reduce the need for future care by contacting our friendly Sugar Land, TX dental practice today.
Fluoride Treatment Reviews
What Are The Benefits Of Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride enamel treatment can benefit both adults and children. The earlier patients begin receiving fluoride treatments, the better. Some of the most common benefits of applying fluoride varnish to your teeth include the following:
- Aids in preventing cavities and tooth decay
- Protects tooth enamel
- Puts minerals back into your teeth
- Acts as a natural preventative
Am I a Good Candidate For Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride may be recommended for patients of all ages to minimize the chance of developing tooth decay. Though many patients use over-the-counter toothpaste that contains fluoride, this may not be enough in many cases. Children and teens, however, are at a higher risk for cavities and are good candidates for receiving in-office fluoride treatments. Adults who have gum recession or a history of tooth decay may also benefit from the application of fluoride treatments. Individuals who drink water without fluoride may receive additional protection from supplemental or in-office fluoride paste or fluoride varnish. For some patients, using fluoride may help to remineralize early cavity formation (incipient lesions), minimizing the need for restorations, like fillings or crowns. Fluoride treatments at Made Ya Smile Dental are comfortable and easy and may be applied in varnish, foam, or gel form in a range of flavor options. If needed, our dentists can also provide a prescription for fluoride supplements or toothpaste to help protect the teeth of patients who are at a greater risk for decay.
What Happens During a Fluoride Treatment?
Our team may recommend in-office fluoride treatments during biannual cleanings and exam appointments. Some patients may benefit from receiving fluoride at each dental cleaning visit while others may have it administered only once per year. Fluoride is applied to the teeth once the dental cleaning is finished. Fluoride varnish is easily painted onto the teeth and carried in between the teeth and into chewing surface grooves by the saliva. Mouth trays are used to keep gel and foam fluoride applications in contact with the teeth and stay in the mouth for about 1 – 4 minutes, depending on the solution. The fluoride is then suctioned out of the mouth and follow-up instructions are given.
What Happens After a Fluoride Treatment?
We recommend that you or your child avoid drinking or eating for 30 minutes after fluoride has been applied to the teeth. This gives the fluoride a chance to be absorbed into the tooth structure. If you or your child received fluoride varnish, it is best to wait for several hours before eating hard, crunchy, or sticky food items. Children should be closely supervised if using prescription or over-the-counter fluoride products as consumption of fluoride can lead to nausea and can be dangerous in large amounts. Using fluoride to help strengthen the teeth and prevent tooth decay along with good home care and routine cleaning visits is an excellent way to help your family enjoy happy and healthy smiles for years to come.
Will Insurance Cover My Fluoride Treatment?
As a preventive procedure, professional fluoride treatments are typically covered by dental insurance once or twice a year for children. Our team will contact your provider and review the coverage schedule for teens and adults. If you are not using insurance or you have personal expenses for your family's care, we can help you find a payment solution to make your care easier to afford. Made Ya Smile Dental works with most PPO plans and accepts several convenient payment options, including in-office payment plans and third-party financing through CareCredit®.
Fluoride Treatment FAQ
How often should you get a fluoride treatment?
According to the American Dental Association, you should have a fluoride treatment every 3 – 12 months, depending on your age and oral health.
Are fluoride treatments safe?
Yes, when properly administered by an experienced dentist, fluoride treatments like fluoride varnish and fluoride paste are generally very safe and effective for the majority of patients. If patients are overexposed to fluoride, whether, through the environment or over-treatment, it can result in tooth discoloration or fluorosis.
Can children have fluoride treatments?
Yes, they can. In fact, fluoride treatments are even safe for infants. Regular fluoride treatments can help children build strong teeth and reduce the risks of developing cavities and tooth decay.
Can I eat after a fluoride treatment?
In general, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before eating or drinking after a fluoride treatment. For some fluoride treatments, you may need to wait 4 – 6 hours. After your treatment, you will be given aftercare instructions as to what you can and cannot do.
Schedule You or Your Child's Fluoride Treatment
Protect your family's smiles and oral health with professional fluoride treatments from Made Ya Smile Dental. Our dentists may recommend fluoride varnish or fluoride paste during cleaning and exam visits for children, teens, and adults to help prevent the development of cavities and remineralize areas that show early signs of decay. To learn more about how fluoride may benefit your loved ones, get in touch with our Sugar Land, TX family practice today.