How long does fluoride treatment last?

When you come for a fluoride treatment in Houston, we follow the recommendation of the American Dental Association that stated that fluoride treatment should be done every 3, 6 or 12 months to ensure the fluoride film is strong and effective.

How often should you get a fluoride treatment?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist's office every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your oral health. If you're at high risk for cavities, your dentist may also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or gel to use regularly at home.

Are fluoride treatments worth it?

Many adults wonder, “Are fluoride treatments beneficial for adults?” The answer is yes. All adults can benefit from a dental fluoride treatment, especially those at a higher risk for tooth decay. Insurance doesn't normally cover fluoride for adults, but the price is usually only around $20-40—well worth the extra cost.

How long does it take for fluoride to work?

Some professional fluoride treatments require a waiting period of 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything. Fluoride varnishes adhere to the teeth for hours, and no waiting period is required. You may eat or drink immediately following its application.

How long after fluoride treatment can I brush?

When can I brush my teeth after fluoride treatment? Wait between 4 – 6 hours before resuming your routine oral care. To stay on the side of caution, you should wait for 6 hours before brushing or flossing your teeth. When you wait for 6 hours or longer, the fluoride will cover and protect your teeth better.

Tips For Applying Fluoride Varnish

Does fluoride strengthen teeth?

Fluoride is a natural element that strengthens teeth and prevents their deterioration. Experts believe that the best way to prevent cavities is use of fluoride from multiple sources. Fluoride in small amounts naturally occurring water sources and it can be found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs and tea (1).

How long after fluoride can I smoke?

During fluoride treatment aftercare the patient who received the treatment must not eat, drink, or smoke for about 30 minutes to 1 hour after the fluoride treatment. Patients may experience nausea if they mistakenly swallow any of the fluorides.

How often can you get fluoride varnish?

Answer: Fluoride varnish can be applied 4 times a year or every 3 months. Studies show that children who get fluoride varnish every 3 months have fewer cavities than those who get it less often or not at all.

What are the cons of fluoride?

The cons of fluoride

Certain studies have shown that fluoride may contribute to weakening the bones and maybe even the joint's connective tissues. Fluoride also causes a condition known as fluorosis, which causes tooth discoloration.

Are fluoride treatments necessary for seniors?

Benefits of Fluoride

As you get older, you become more susceptible to certain dental conditions, such as gum disease or tooth and root decay. Fluoride treatments can help to strengthen and protect your teeth, preventing your need for invasive and expensive procedures in the future.

Does fluoride treatment make your teeth whiter?

Fluoride is a safe, effective way to protect your teeth from advancing tooth decay, cavities, and acts as a whitener.

How much does fluoride cost?

Cost of Fluoride Treatments

At home fluoride treatments can be purchased and will run from $5 to $20, depending on the product. Many oral care companies manufacture a toothpaste with fluoride and that will typically cost $3 to $7 per tube of toothpaste.

What do I do after a fluoride treatment?

You will be asked to do your best to not rinse, eat or drink anything for only 30 minutes. This is all the time the fluoride needs to absorb and repair. After that you might want to avoid hot or cold liquids or foods and then not to brush or floss for six hours.

Do kids need fluoride treatment twice a year?

Once your child has a tooth, your doctor may recommend that your child receive fluoride varnish treatments in the pediatrician's office to help prevent tooth decay. This can be done 2 to 4 times per year. The number of treatments depends on how likely it is that your child may get a cavity.

Is fluoride varnish worth it for adults?

For adults, the guideline group concluded (with a low level of certainty) that 2.26% fluoride varnish may be beneficial to prevent root caries if applied at least twice a year.

How much fluoride is too much?

Fluoride levels of 2.5 mg/L or higher may increase the risk of skeletal fluorosis (a condition that causes bones to break easily and causes calcium to build up in ligaments and tendons).

Does fluoride help tooth sensitivity?

How Fluoride Helps Sensitivity. Fluoride is well-known for its benefits to oral health. Applied topically to the teeth, it remineralizes the tooth enamel (i.e. makes the teeth harder and stronger) to prevent sensitivity and tooth decay.

Can I use fluoride varnish everyday?

As you may know fluoride varnish has FDA approval as a desensitizing agent and shows great caries preventive benefits. According to the most recent ADA report on topical fluorides, 5% NaF varnish should be applied every 3-6 months for patients at an elevated risk of dental caries.

What should you not do after fluoride?

Can you eat with fluoride on your teeth?

The professional treatments from dentists have more fluoride than what is available in toothpaste or tap water, and the application only requires a few minutes. You will be requested to avoid eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes after the treatment to ensure your teeth entirely absorb the fluoride.

Does fluoride harden tooth enamel?

When incorporated in the teeth, fluoride hardens the enamel, making it resistant to demineralization, which is the leading cause of tooth decay and cavities. You will find that many kinds of toothpaste add fluoride supplements to help protect the enamel surface and prevent tooth decay.

Does fluoride help repair enamel?

Fluoride naturally repairs and strengthens dental enamel. Using fluoridated toothpastes and rinses will always be a great way to keep your teeth strong and resistant to cavities. Additionally, if you have pervasive demineralization, these enamel-focused products may help delay the onset of a cavity or tooth decay.

Does fluoride thicken enamel?

Fluoride treatments thicken the enamel layer by strengthening the mineral composition, creating a thicker layer of protection between your sensitive tooth structure and the hot and cold foods you eat.

Can I drink coffee after fluoride?

The fluoride treatment will require time to settle into your teeth and provide the protection they require. A general rule of thumb is to wait for at least 30 to 60 minutes after your teeth cleaning to consume any food or drinks, but you should avoid drinking coffee for a few hours.