Fluoride Treatment Benefits, Side Effects, and Recommendations
Cavities are a common dental issue affecting kids and adults. They are a major reason people visit the emergency dentist in St. Petersburg. As a result, various treatments are geared toward preventing cavities. An example is fluoride treatments by the dentist near you. Continue reading for more about fluoride treatments.
What Are Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride is a natural compound usually found in water sources, soils, and foods. It is beneficial to teeth as it helps fight against cavities and sensitivity. However, not everybody has access to fluoridated water or food. Additionally, their amount of fluoride is very little and cannot successfully prevent cavities.
Therefore, the dentist in St. Petersburg will provide extra fluoride through topical applications. These are known as fluoride treatments. The mineral is applied as a varnish or gel by the dentist. It is highly concentrated and provides the necessary fortification within minutes.
Most people think fluoride only benefits kids since they are susceptible to cavities. This is not true because fluoride treatments can also help adults. Although adults can maintain good oral hygiene, they are prone to caries due to other issues.
If you are at a very high risk of caries, the dentist in 33702 will prescribe fluoride for at home-use. These have a higher concentration than that found in regular toothpaste or mouthwash. People who need the prescription fluoride include those with dry mouths and smokers. Others have receding gums, sensitivity, several restorations, or a history of radiation.
What Happens during a Professional Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatments by the dentist in St. Petersburg are fast, straightforward, and painless. First, the dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly and then apply the fluoride. It may be in t form of a gel, varnish, or foam. They put the gel in a dental tray and then on your teeth for a few minutes. Alternatively, they paint the varnish or foam on your teeth with a small brush.
The fluoride hardens when it contacts the saliva, so the dentist may not need to rinse your mouth. After the process, you will be asked to avoid consuming anything for the next thirty minutes. This allows the fluoride to get absorbed into the teeth properly. Therefore, it starts repairing microscopic areas of decay.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatments
- The treatment rebuilds weakened tooth enamel through a process known as remineralization. Therefore, fluoride restores lost minerals protecting the tooth from decay.
- The remineralization process also helps arrest early decay preventing the tooth from cavities.
- Fluoride reduces tooth root hypersensitivity, which occurs due to gum recession.
- These non-invasive treatments fight oral bacteria that produce acids and form plaque. As a result, they prevent tooth decay.
- Fluoride treatments by the dentist in St. Petersburg save you money down the road. They help prevent tooth cavities and gum diseases which are costly to treat.
- Fluoride is naturally occurring and therefore acts as a natural preventive treatment.
Are There Side Effects of Fluoride?
Yes, there are some side effects of fluoride. If large amounts of fluoride are ingested, they can harm your teeth and cause nausea or vomiting. In addition, kids below eight years have permanent teeth growing beneath the gums. Therefore, they can develop dental fluorosis if they ingest excess fluoride. Also, they may get white spots or streaks on teeth.
Hence, it is important to use fluoride as instructed to prevent these side effects. Guide kids below three years when brushing to avoid swallowing too much fluoride. Alternatively, you can get your kids toothpaste with a lower fluoride concentration. In addition, keep fluoride supplements or toothpaste out of reach of kids as they can take them accidentally.
Fluoride Treatment Recommendations
Dental professionals recommend using small amounts of fluoride daily to decrease caries risk. You can drink fluoridated water and use fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinses. In addition, you should have fluoride treatments every three to six months for better efficacy.
Do you need fluoride treatments for yourself or your child? Then contact us at Dental Arts on Ninth St. for professional application of fluoride on your teeth. Our team, led by Dr. Cecilia Sorelle, will evaluate your teeth to determine the amount of fluoride you need. Then, they will provide adequate fluoride to help prevent cavities. So, book an appointment with us today.
