Every day, you work hard to protect your teeth against decay. Whether you’re brushing and flossing or using water flossers and mouth rinses, all of these products do a great job of combatting tooth decay. However, on their own, they may struggle to protect your teeth adequately, and you may need a more advanced treatment.
If you’ve noticed signs of tooth decay, even with your comprehensive oral hygiene routine, you may consider turning to your dental provider for professional fluoride treatments. But can these treatments do more to protect your teeth than the fluoride in your everyday products? If you’re dealing with decay, keep reading to learn more about whether this is the right option for your smile.
What Does Fluoride Do?
Fluoride is a mineral found in various foods and water supplies known for its extraordinary ability to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can remineralize your enamel and prevent tooth decay when caught in its earliest stages. It also does a wonderful job of controlling the growth of cavity-forming bacteria, making it an essential ingredient for individuals prone to cavities.
In recent years, there has been some question about the safety of regular fluoride use. Although excessive fluoride use can be harmful to your teeth, the level of fluoride in your drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other oral products is safe. Because of its ability to prevent decay and protect your teeth, fluoride is a popular ingredient among many dentists.
Should You Get Professional Fluoride Treatments?
While fluoride is in your everyday oral hygiene products, your dentist may also recommend seeking professional fluoride treatments. But if there is fluoride in these products, why do you need professional fluoride treatments as well? Even with regular use of these products, you may still experience tooth decay, making professional fluoride treatments essential.
If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in tooth sensitivity, consume a great deal of sugar, or have a recent history of tooth decay, professional fluoride treatments can help you protect your smile. You may also be a good candidate for professional fluoride treatments if you struggle with oral health conditions like chronic dry mouth, as they can help you restore saliva production.
Although you may be on the fence about whether you need professional fluoride treatments, it is best to follow the advice of your dentist. They may notice early signs of tooth decay before you begin experiencing its adverse effects. Insurance or in-office dental plans often cover these treatments, making them a great way to restore your smile’s strength without spending more than anticipated at your appointment.
What Happens During a Professional Fluoride Treatment?
If you have decided to get professional fluoride treatments, you may be nervous about your upcoming appointment. While it may seem daunting, these treatments are incredibly straightforward. If you have this appointment scheduled, it will be performed by your dentist or hygienist during your routine cleaning and exam.
Your dental professional will apply a fluoride gel or foam to your teeth. This process usually only takes about five minutes before your dental team will move on with the remainder of your appointment. It is important that you avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes after the treatment to prevent rinsing any remaining fluoride from your mouth.
How Often Should You Get a Fluoride Treatment?
How often you’ll need professional fluoride treatments will vary depending on your current oral health. Those with poor oral health may need to get these treatments every three months to begin remineralizing and protecting their teeth against decay. However, as your oral health gets better, you may be able to go longer between treatments.
On average, the American Dental Association recommends professional treatments from your dental provider once every three months to yearly. If you want to get a better picture of how frequently you should get these treatments, it is best to speak to your dental provider. They’ll be able to assess your current oral health condition and make appropriate recommendations.
Can Children Get Fluoride Treatments?
While you may be comfortable getting fluoride treatments, you may worry about whether they are an appropriate treatment for your child. Although the amount of fluoride your child should get will vary based on age, professional fluoride treatments are still a great option for strengthening your child’s teeth and protecting them against tooth decay.
Children as young as six months old can get fluoride treatments to aid in the fight against tooth decay. Young children may also benefit from more frequent fluoride treatments. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children up to six years old get fluoride treatments every six months, and children up to 16 should get them at every cleaning.
Helping You Achieve Your Healthiest Smile Ever
Whether you’re trying to protect your teeth against decay or scheduling an appointment for your children, our team at North View Dental is here to support you every step of the way. For years, we’ve provided expert dental care to patients across the Wasatch Front, helping them achieve their healthiest, brightest smile.
From standard cleanings to cosmetic dentistry and everything in between, we’re confident that we have the training and experience to help you protect your smile from harm. If you would like to learn more about our services or are ready to schedule professional fluoride treatments, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
