Fluoride treatments are
typically professional treatments containing a high concentration of fluoride
that is applied to a person’s teeth to improve health and reduce the risk of
cavities. These in-office treatments may take the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish.
The fluoride dentists use in these treatments is similar to
the fluoride in toothpaste. However, the treatment contains much higher doses
and may offer more rapid benefits.
Fluoride has
several benefits for the teeth:
It helps the body better use minerals, such as calcium and
phosphate. The teeth reabsorb these minerals to repair weak tooth enamel.
It joins into the tooth structure when teeth are developing
to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, making them less vulnerable to bacteria
and cavities for life.
It slows or even reverses the development of cavities by
harming bacteria that cause cavities.
When taken
together, these benefits may help to:
- Reduce the risk of cavities
- Slow the growth of cavities
- Delay the need for expensive dental work
- Prolong the life of baby teeth
- Reduce the amount of time and money a person has to spend at
the dentist
By
preventing cavities and slowing the growth of bacteria, fluoride treatment may
also:
- Prevent gum disease
- Reduce tooth pain
- Prevent the premature loss of teeth
Fluoride treatments can improve oral health, which,
according to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, is a major
predictor of overall health. Poor oral health can cause a range of other health
conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
Side effects of fluoride:
Tooth discoloration
The most common side effect of fluoride is tooth
discoloration.
Fluorosis is a
condition that causes white streaks or other discoloration on the teeth.
Fluorosis happens when a child ingests too much fluoride while their baby and
adult teeth are developing under the gums. A child can develop fluorosis from
birth to 8 years of age.
Discoloration is more common among young children who
consume too much fluoride, either because they take fluoride supplements or
swallow toothpaste.
Experts recommend that even children who are too young to
spit the toothpaste out themselves should use fluoridated toothpaste.
Allergies or
irritation
A person may have an allergic reaction to fluoride or
experience skin irritation, though these reactions are rare.
Toxic effects
Fluoride can be toxic if a person applies it incorrectly or
at very high doses. However, this is unusual.
It is recommended that the use of professional fluoride varnish on
children under 6 years old. Fluoride varnish is the preferred option for young
children, as they tend to swallow foams or gels, which may cause nausea and
vomiting.
Fluoride treatment
The CDC and the ADA recommend that frequent exposure to
small amounts of fluoride every day is the best for reducing the risk of dental
cavities for all ages.
For most people, this means drinking tap water with optimal
fluoride levels and brushing teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. For
children and adults who may be at a higher risk of cavities, fluoride
treatments can provide extra benefits.
Dental cavities are the most common chronic childhood
disease, five times more common than asthma.
Dentists or doctors should repeat fluoride treatment every
3–6 months, depending on a child’s risk of cavities.
To reduce the risk of
overexposure to fluoride, dentists also recommend the following:
Caregivers should brush children’s teeth with a small amount
of fluoride toothpaste to reduce decay and minimize fluorosis risk. For
children under 3 years of age, use no more than a smear or rice-sized amount of
fluoridated toothpaste. For children aged 3–6, use a pea-sized amount of
fluoride toothpaste.
Always supervise a child’s brushing to ensure they use the
right amount of toothpaste, and try to get them to spit out most it if they
can.
Children under 6 years old should not use at-home fluoride
rinses, such as mouthwash, since they may swallow too much fluoride.
Adults
If a person is at a moderate-to-high risk of developing
tooth decay, professional fluoride treatment can help. Experts recommend that
people at high risk of cavities get professional fluoride treatments twice a
year.
People should discuss the risks and benefits of fluoride
treatment with their dentists. It is essential to consider all sources of
fluoride, including fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash.
People who live in areas where the water does not contain
fluoride may gain more significant benefits from regular fluoride treatments.
To know more, visit us.
iDent, Idyll Dental Clinic
To book an appointment with us:
Call us at: +912240147049/09321330133
Email: smileident@gmail.com
Website: www.smileident.com
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