Fluoride Treatments and Everything You Need to Know about Them

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your teeth and prevents cavities. Its regular intake is crucial for your dental health as it fights bacteria, supports healthy tooth enamel and prevents the building up of plaque. Dentists recommend using products for your oral hygiene routine that contain fluoride as an active ingredient.

There are many different kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash that have fluoride in them so be mindful when choosing them. Besides these products, fluoride is found naturally in water sources and some foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and tea.

However, there is another way you can strengthen your teeth using fluoride. It’s by having a professional fluoride treatment regularly. It’s administered by a dentist and provides many great benefits for your teeth which we’ll share with you in this article, so you’ll be more prepared in case you’re looking for a dentist in Albuquerque who can perform this for you.

What Exactly Is a Fluoride Treatment?

Professional fluoride treatments usually take just a few minutes. The fluoride may be in the form of a solution, gel, varnish or foam. Your dentist may apply it with a brush or a cotton swab or they can use it as a rinse in a tray that is held in your mouth for several minutes. These treatments contain much more fluoride than your water or toothpaste, so they strengthen your teeth more effectively. After the treatment, you may be asked not to rinse, smoke, eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes. This way you will allow your teeth to fully absorb the fluoride and benefit the most out of it.

How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatments?

Depending on your individual case and oral health status, your dentist may recommend getting a professional fluoride treatment every three, six or twelve months. Dr. Gallegos may evaluate how susceptible your teeth are to cavities, so he can even recommend additional preventive measures like fluoride mouthrinses or gels. This is why it’s important to give your dentist your full health history so they can choose the best option and treatment for you.

Are Fluoride Treatments Just for Kids?

Fluoride treatments are great for kids because this way they strengthen their teeth at a young age which decreases the risk of getting cavities later on in their teenage and adult life. However, these treatments are suitable for people of all ages who are prone to tooth decay. Anyone with a high risk for cavities can and should receive a professional fluoride treatment regularly. They’re especially good for elderly patients and patients with special needs who are not able to maintain their oral hygiene which leads to building up plaque.

Fluoride Treatments Help Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Besides remineralizing your teeth and fighting cavities, fluoride also helps to reduce tooth sensitivity. People who suffer from sensitivity when having hot or cold foods and drinks can opt for professional fluoride treatments to alleviate pain. This can also make deep dental cleanings more comfortable and they can enjoy more of their favorite beverages without experiencing discomfort.

Fluoride Treatments Can Reverse Small Cavities

Cavities start when there is more demineralization instead of remineralization of the teeth. A cavity in its earliest stage is called incipient lesion. It’s possible to stop and reverse these early tiny cavities by excellent oral hygiene at home. However, a more certain way to do this is by a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office. And everyone would definitely prefer to prevent and heal a cavity as early as possible instead of allowing it to progress and having to undergo dental procedures that can be painful and discomforting.

Professional Fluoride Treatments Are Painless and Safe

If you’re scared of going to the dentist and getting different dental procedures, don’t let your fear stop you from getting a fluoride treatment. These treatments are absolutely painless and are probably the simplest procedure you can ever get in your dentist’s office. There is nothing invasive or painful in the whole treatment. There are no scary drills and no need for anesthetics.

Professional fluoride treatments performed by a dentist are extremely safe as well. Your dentist knows what the dosage of fluoride should be in the treatment in order to be both effective and safe for you. There is some risk associated with fluoride intake if the dosage is too much. It has been reported that swallowing a tube of toothpaste containing fluoride, for example, is harmful and might cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is why children should be supervised when brushing their teeth. However, in the right amount fluoride can only make your teeth stronger and healthier, so if it’s used by dental professionals, the risk is minimal to none.

Professional Fluoride Treatments Do Not Stain Your Teeth

There is a condition called fluorosis that is caused by too much fluoride. This leads to white or dark brown stains on your teeth. Fluorosis can happen during tooth formation when a pregnant mother consumes too much fluoride (in her water intake or as supplements for example). In such cases, the baby’s teeth can be affected and can be stained. However, this condition can’t occur once the teeth are formed. This means that your teeth are perfectly safe from stains if you get a professional fluoride treatment done the right way.

Professional Fluoride Treatments Are Worth Their Cost

The cost of fluoride treatments vary. However, no matter how much you pay, it’s worth it because it improves your dental health and prevents further complications. Also, it’s surely less expensive than the cost of tooth restoration procedures and of repairing tooth decay. This makes it a great investment in your health because by preventing tooth decay, you are lowering the chance of having to deal with more expensive and complicated procedures over your lifetime. Besides that, a lot of dental insurances cover the cost of fluoride treatments, especially for kids. So, always check with your company to see if they cover it.

Nowadays, there are many ways and possibilities to treat tooth decay and issues that come from it. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and it’s our responsibility to take measures and prevent dental health problems as much as possible. A great opportunity for this is to get a fluoride treatment. So contact your dentist today for more information about it.

Learn about the benefits of it, schedule an appointment and leave their office with healthy, strong teeth and a beautiful smile. You should always take advantage of the available possibilities that can make your life healthier and happier and fluoride treatment is one of those things that we can only benefit from. Whether you’re in a high risk of getting cavities or not, don’t leave the health of your mouth to chance and act now.