When you visit your dentist for a routine checkup, they might suggest a fluoride treatment. But a lot of people wonder if it’s worth it. Fluoride treatment is often recommended to prevent cavities and build enamel, but is it really necessary if you brush and floss daily? In this blog, we’ll explain what Fluoride treatment for teeth is, its benefits, who should get it, and whether it’s a good investment for your oral health.
Fluoride
Some foods, water, and soil are natural sources of fluoride. It has been used extensively in dentistry for many years because it strengthens tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay.
Fluoride serves to restore damaged enamel in your teeth, increasing their resistance to cavities. It can be ingested by toothpaste, drinking water, or dental procedures. Even early degradation indicators can be reversed before a cavity develops.
What is Fluoride Treatment at the Dentist?
Your teeth will typically receive a highly concentrated fluoride solution from the dentist in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish treatment during a fluoride treatment. The most often used method these days is the quick, painless, and effective fluoride varnish treatment.
At Sherman Oaks Smile Studio, fluoride varnish treatment is directly applied to the teeth during a routine dental examination. It hardens and begins to strengthen enamel when it comes into contact with saliva, protecting it from acid attacks by plaque and bacteria.
While the entire process only takes a few minutes, the benefits could last for months.
Fluoride Treatment’s Advantages for Teeth
There’s a reason why dentists often advise fluoride treatment. Here are a few main advantages:
1. Makes tooth enamel stronger
The way fluoride works is by replenishing the enamel, or outer covering of your teeth, with minerals. Teeth become stronger and more resilient to normal wear and tear as a result.
2. Stops Dental Decay
One of the biggest benefits of fluoride treatment for teeth is its ability to prevent cavities. It aids in defending against the damaging effects of sugary meals and plaque bacteria.
3. Counteracts the Early Decay
Fluoride can actually reverse demineralization and restore minerals to the enamel in its early stages, before a cavity appears.
4. Excellent for Individuals with a Higher Risk of Cavities
Professional fluoride treatment from a dentist can provide your teeth with the additional protection they require if you have a history of gum disease, dry mouth, cavities, or braces.
5. Non-intrusive and secure
For both adults and children, fluoride varnish treatment is safe, painless, and free of side effects. Following the appointment, you can immediately resume your day.
Does Fluoride Treatment Only Apply to Children?
The idea that fluoride treatment for teeth is exclusively for youngsters is a prevalent misconception. Although children gain the most from fluoride during the years when their teeth are still growing, adults can also experience significant advantages, particularly if they are at risk for gum disease or cavities.
In actuality, fluoride treatment is even more crucial for adults because they frequently have extra risk factors, including aged enamel, exposed tooth roots, or dry mouth from medications.
How Frequently Do You Require Fluoride Therapy?
Most people are recommended to receive fluoride treatment every six to twelve months during routine dental cleanings. Your fluoride treatment dentist could advise more regular procedures, though, if you:
- Have a dental decay history
- Put on orthodontic appliances such as braces.
- Possess sensitive teeth or gums that are receding
- Take drugs that lower saliva or suffer from dry mouth.
Your dentist at Sherman Oaks Smile Studio will customize your treatment plan according to your lifestyle and dental health requirements.
Is Fluoride Safe?
Yes, when taken as directed, fluoride is safe. Fluoride is recommended for dental health by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA).
Professional fluoride treatments dentist use a regulated quantity of fluoride topically, which is safe for your health. Professional application and restraint are crucial.
Isn’t Fluoride Toothpaste Enough?
Although brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a crucial component of dental hygiene, it’s not always sufficient, particularly if you have a higher risk of cavities.
Compared to over-the-counter toothpaste or mouth rinses, the fluoride treatment at your dentist office has a far higher concentration. It provides a stronger protection and remineralization boost for your teeth.
Consider it this way: fluoride toothpaste is your everyday upkeep, and dental fluoride treatment is your thorough cleaning and long-term protection.
So, Is a Dental Professional’s Fluoride Treatment Worth It?
Definitely, particularly if you want to maintain the long-term health and cavity-free status of your teeth.
Beyond what you can accomplish at home, fluoride treatment offers long-lasting advantages for a minimal cost and a few minutes of your time. It is always a wise investment in your oral health to build your enamel and prevent decay, regardless of your age.
Additionally, adding a fluoride varnish treatment is a simple method to advance your dental care if you’re already making the effort to see your dentist on a regular basis.
End of the Line
Fluoride treatment is not just a dental upsell; it also benefits people other than children. It’s an established, scientifically backed method to protect the enamel on your teeth, stop decay, and keep them healthy for many years to come.
If you’re looking for a fluoride treatment dentist in the Sherman Oaks area that you can rely on to administer fluoride treatment, Sherman Oaks Smile Studio is the only place to go. Their professional staff provides compassionate, personalized care with your smile in mind.