Everything You Should Know Before Getting Fluoride Treatment
The Uses of Fluorides in Dental Health
The most significant use of fluoride is in the field of dentistry. The mineral has been dispensed to us since childhood and has multiple benefits for oral health.
Here are a few reasons why fluoride treatment is an indispensable dental service:
- Strengthens the Tooth Enamel: Fluoride strengthens enamel by efficiently absorbing minerals like calcium and phosphate from saliva, food, and water, boosting enamel health. Specially designed fluoride therapy given to the teeth can alter the enamel molecules (hydroxyapatite), to a more potent compound called fluorapatite that is resistant to acid attacks and mineral loss, making the enamel resistant to decay.
- Inhibits Dental Infections: Fluorides are also known to inhibit oral bacteria, particularly the cavity-causing strain, Streptococcus mutans. It interferes with the conversion of sticky sugars to acids, hinders bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces, inhibits the growth of bacterial colonies, and prevents the formation of dental plaque and tartar.
- Can Reduce Tooth Sensitivity: Fluorides can lessen tooth sensitivity by fortifying enamel and preventing the exposure of the underlying dentin, which is more sensitive to temperature and touch.
- Is a Must During Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic treatments like braces and retainers can make oral hygiene more challenging, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride helps counteract this by strengthening enamel.
- Is Effective for All Ages: Fluoride therapy is for all ages. From young children with milk teeth to adults with fully erupted permanent teeth, maintaining dental health with fluoride is a must for all.
- Painless and Quick: There is nothing invasive or surgical about fluoride teeth treatment. There are barely any post-procedure restrictionsâyou do not need anesthesia or antibiotics. It is one of those friendly dental services for the young and the old.
- Cost-effective: Fluoride applications, being preventive, save you from costly and more complicated dental procedures and emergencies.
Fluoride Application for Good Oral Health
Community water fluoridation has been widely recognized as a safe and effective public health measure for supplying the recommended daily dose of fluoride in many countries worldwide. Our toothpastes, mouthwashes, gums, and oral supplements are usually fortified with fluorides. Despite that, dental fluoride applications are crucial in keeping you cavity-free.
Types of fluoride treatment available at the dentist:
- Fluoride varnish (a concentrated fluoride gel that adheres to the tooth surface and is gradually absorbed)
- Fluoride gel (a thick fluoride gel that is applied in a tray that fits over all your teeth)
- Fluoride foam (similar to the gel, it is foamy in consistency and is better and faster absorbed into the enamel)
- Teeth Cleaning: The teeth must be clean and free of debris before applying fluoride. We use an ultrasonic scaler to clean the teeth and remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
- Isolation: Fluoride application needs a saliva-free, dry tooth surface. We may isolate the teeth using cotton rolls, dental dams, cheek retractors, and a suction tube.
- Selection of Fluoride Products : We usually recommend the most suitable fluoride product for you. This can include fluoride varnish, fluoride gel, fluoride foam, or a fluoride rinse.
- Application of Fluoride: The product is applied using a brush, swab, or a custom-made tray. The dentist will cover all the surfaces of all teeth with the product, paying close attention to areas prone to decay.
- Dwell Time: The product must be applied for a specific period of time for best results. The dentist may isolate the area for the recommended period of setting time (the dwell time), typically a few minutes.
- Spitting and Rinsing: After the dwell time, you are allowed to spit out the excess product and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This step is vital to prevent the ingestion of excessive fluoride. Do not worry about the after-taste, it is likely to vanish in minutes.
- Post-Treatment Instructions : You may be advised to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to an hour and avoid brushing for the day to allow the fluoride to seep in better.
Any Potential Side Effects Of Fluoride Treatment?
While fluoride application is generally safe and beneficial, there can be potential side effects, especially if excessive amounts of fluoride are ingested or if an individual is particularly sensitive to fluorideÂ
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Conclusion: Do Not Miss Your Summer Appointments
Make fluoride therapy your dental guardian angelâlet it protect your teeth one application at a time. The focus of modern dentistry is prevention, and fluoride treatment precisely fulfills the criteria. From boosting tooth enamel to curbing bacterial growth, this wonder mineral is an elixir for sustainable oral health. If you feel convinced and are searching for fluoride treatment near you, then feel free to drop by and have a chat with our experienced fluoride dentist at Magnolia Dental.
