Is fluoride treatment just an upsell or an actual preventative care? It’s understandable that many patients are hesitant to choose fluoride given the abundance of contradicting information available online. Fluoride treatments hold a special place in dentistry as they are both one of the most studied and contentious preventative procedures available. Fluoride, which is your teeth’s natural defense, works diligently to protect your enamel from the acid assaults that occur every day.
What is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that fortifies tooth enamel and guards against cavities. Compared to toothpaste or tap water, professional fluoride treatments, applied as a gel, foam, or varnish during dental visits, have a greater concentration.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
Here are a few benefits of fluoride treatment:
Cavity Prevention
The primary benefit of fluoride treatments is their capacity to prevent cavities. Those who undergo professional fluoride treatments have a 43% lower risk of cavities than those who do not.
Reversing Early Decay
Fluoride can actually undo early damage in addition to preventing cavities. Fluoride helps remineralize weak enamel when white spot lesions, the initial indication of decay, appear, possibly preventing the need for fillings entirely.
Protects After Dental Procedure
Teeth are more susceptible to decay after treatments like deep cleanings or braces adjustments. A fluoride treatment lowers the possibility of developing new cavities in these delicate regions by establishing a barrier of defense.
Helps Dry Mouth Sufferers
Naturally, saliva helps in removing germs and neutralizing acids. In order to make up for the loss of saliva’s protective properties, fluoride serves as an essential replacement for people who have a dry mouth (caused by drugs or illnesses).
What Happens During a Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment is a simple addition to your routine dentist appointment because the entire procedure is quick, uncomplicated, and comfortable. The procedure is totally painless, and it ends before you know. Here’s how it goes:
- The dentist will thoroughly polish your teeth to guarantee optimal fluoride absorption and eliminate plaque.
- A concentrated fluoride gel, foam, or varnish is then applied directly to your teeth by the dentist. It just takes 1 to 4 minutes to complete.
- You will be instructed to abstain from food and liquids for half an hour following application. This allows the fluoride to completely enter and fortify your enamel.
Wrapping Up!
If you or your child wears braces, has gum recession, dry mouth, or is in the moderate-to-high cavity risk category, fluoride treatments are strongly advised. Fluoride treatments are worth it because of their ability to protect tooth enamel and guard against cavities.
Consult our experts at Divine Dental Studio of Ceres about your dental concerns and get the best possible suggestions. Contact us at (209) 207-7777 and book your appointment right away.