What Is Fluoride and Why Is It Used?
There is fluoride in the ground, in water, and in some foods. Because it stops tooth rot, it has been added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and even tap water for many years. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, which is the top layer of the tooth. This makes it stronger against acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods when it is used correctly.
Your dentist will use a gel, foam, or varnish to put a concentrated form of fluoride on your teeth during a dental fluoride treatment. This is a quick process that can be done at your standard dentist visit. It gives extra safety, especially for kids, adults, and people who get cavities easily.
Is Dental Fluoride Safe?
The short answer is yes, dental fluoride treatment is safe when done by a dentist or when used properly at home. A lot of health groups, like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), say that fluoride should be used in tooth care.
Fluoride is only dangerous when very large amounts are taken in over a long period of time, which doesn't happen very often. Fluorosis, or white spots on the teeth, can happen from too much contact, mostly in kids under 8 years old. However, this is generally because they swallowed a lot of toothpaste and not because they got expert fluoride treatments.
Who Needs Dental Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride levels are different for each person. Fluoride is most helpful for kids and teens while their adult teeth are still coming in. Getting dental fluoride treatment can also help adults who get cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, or wear braces.
If you recently had a root canal or have sensitive teeth, your root canal dentist may also suggest calcium to make the tooth stronger and stop problems from happening in the future. As a shield, fluoride helps protect teeth that have become weak or easy to break.
How Effective Is Fluoride in Preventing Cavities?
Fluoride is very good at keeping cavities away. You can strengthen enamel and stop tooth decay in its early stages before it becomes a full-blown hole. Regular use of fluoride has been shown to cut the chance of cavities by up to 40%.
Doctors will tell you to get dental fluoride treatments every 3, 6, or 12 months, based on your mouth's health needs. If you type "dental fluoride near me" into your search engine a lot, you are probably already trying to avoid dental problems.
What Happens During a Fluoride Treatment?
Regular dental fluoride treatments don't take long. It only requires a few minutes at most. The dentist will clean your teeth and then use a gel, foam, or varnish to put fluoride on them. You won't be able to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes afterward, so the fluoride can fully work its way into your teeth.
This treatment doesn't hurt and only takes a short time, so it's a quick and easy way to improve your oral health. This is usually done when you get your teeth cleaned and checked, so it's easy to fit into your normal dental care plan.
Where Can I Get Dental Fluoride Treatments?
There are a lot of general and kids' dentist clinics that offer fluoride as part of their services if you look online for "dental fluoride near me." Your dentist team will be able to tell you if fluoride should be part of your treatment plan, whether you're there for a normal checkup or something more important, like a root canal.
Make sure the dentist or root canal dentist you choose is licensed, has a lot of experience, and knows your oral history. For example, professional doctors at Lit Dental can give you advice on the best ways to keep your teeth healthy.