How Does Fluoride Treatment Work And Who Should Get It?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that makes teeth strong and prevents cavities. Studies show that people who take fluoridated water have lower chances of tooth decay.

Fluoride treatments offer some significant benefits to protect teeth. These fluoride treatments can benefit people at risk of experiencing tooth decay but may not be suitable for everyone. Cavities occur when bacteria in food remains build up on your gums and teeth and form a sticky layer called plaque. Plaque releases an acid that erodes the teeth and gum tissue. If the bacteria breaks down the enamel layer, it may infect and cause harm to the nerves and blood vessels.

This article looks at how the fluoride treatments work, their benefits, and who can get the fluoride treatment.

How Does Fluoride Treatment Work?

Fluoride treatments are professional treatments containing a higher concentration of fluoride that your pediatric dentist near you will apply to your teeth to improve the health of your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

The in-office treatments used by your dentist at our fluoride treatments near you may take the form of a gel, solution, varnish, or foam. Your dentist will apply the treatment using a brush, tray, mouthwash, or a swab.

These fluoride treatments have much more fluoride than in your toothpaste or water. Therefore, it does not take so much time to apply. However, your doctor may ask you to avoid drinking or eating 30 minutes after the treatment for your teeth to absorb the fluoride completely.

It is advisable to give your dentist or pediatric dentist the complete history of your health or your child’s health so that they can choose the right treatment for either of you. The fluoride used by your dentist in these treatments is similar to that on your toothpaste. However, they only differ in doses; the professional one has much higher doses and may offer many benefits.

There are also some fluoride treatments that people can use while at home but only under specific advice from your dentist.

The Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment has several benefits for the teeth:

• It helps the body to utilize minerals such as phosphate and calcium. The teeth reabsorb these minerals, thus repairing the weak tooth enamel.
• Fluoride joins the tooth structure when your teeth develop, thus strengthening the teeth’ enamel, making them less susceptible to bacteria and cavities.
• It slows and may even reverse the development of decays and cavities by harming the bacteria which causes the cavities.
• There’s reduced risk of cavities
• Fluoride prolongs the life of baby teeth
• It delays the need for expensive dental work
• Fluoride treatment also reduces tooth pain, prevents gum disease, and prevents the loss of teeth.
• Fluoride treatment improves oral health and overall health as poor oral health can increase the cases of other health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases.

Who Should Get Fluoride Treatment?

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride every day effectively reduces the risk of cavities for all ages. For many people, this is by drinking tap water that contains optimal fluoride levels and flossing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.

Fluoride treatments may benefit adults and children at risk of cavities. Moreover, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends fluoride treatment for all children as they begin growing their teeth to prevent pain, decay, and future dental infections.

The pediatric dentist should repeat fluoride treatment every 3-6 months, depending on how risky the child is to cavities.

A fluoride treatment in Bloomfield, CT for adults is available at our dentist’s office.

If you are at a high risk of getting tooth decay, professional fluoride treatment can help. Dentists may recommend that people at high risk get a professional fluoride treatment at least twice a year. Different studies have investigated a range of doses concentrations and frequencies of treatment.

When Can One Get Fluoride Treatment?

If you and your child require fluoride treatment, visit Bloomfield Pediatric Dentistry. Our staff will assess the health of your teeth and recommend the medical treatment necessary. Our dentist near you has a decorated and equipped office with different types of equipment that will ensure your child’s comfort. You can book an appointment through our online website.