Is fluoride treatment at dentist worth it?

What you need to know as a dental consumer is that studies have shown topical fluoride applications performed by a dental professional create a significant benefit for adults who have moderate to high risk for cavities. There are several circumstances that warrant extra fluoride protection among adults.

Is the fluoride treatment at the dentist office worth it?

Professional fluoride treatments are worth the cost.

It is significantly less expensive than the cost of repairing the tooth decay it can prevent. Professional fluoride treatment is a preventive therapy, which helps your body naturally fight cavities.

Why do dentists put fluoride on teeth?

Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel (outer coating on teeth). Keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities.

How long should fluoride stay on teeth?

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.

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.

The Truth About Fluoride | The Good.... And The Bad!

Should adults get fluoride treatments?

However, adults benefit from fluoride, too. New research indicates that topical fluoride -- from toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments -- are as important in fighting tooth decay as in strengthening developing teeth.

Do I need fluoride?

Everyone needs to have some amount of fluoride, but if you have healthy teeth, you will probably get enough of it in your daily toothpaste and from your tap water. You should still read the labels on your toothpaste to make sure that it contains fluoride so that you are protecting your teeth every time you brush.

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 fast does fluoride work?

The fluoride treatment comes mostly in the form of varnish that is applied to the teeth and sticks to the teeth for a period of four to six hours before been washed away by brushing. However, during this time, the fluoride will have been absorbed into the teeth enamel and offer permanent protection for the meantime.

How often should adults get fluoride treatment?

Fluoride treatments are important for adults as well. They are an effective way to prevent cavities and other oral health issues, especially as teeth naturally weaken over time. Adults should receive 2–4 fluoride treatments per year, depending on their overall oral health.

How effective is fluoride varnish?

Fluoride varnish applied every six months is effective in preventing caries in the primary and permanent dentitions of children and adolescents. Two or more applications of fluoride varnish per year are effective in preventing caries in high-risk populations.

How long after fluoride treatment can I eat?

Your dentist will provide you post-treatment guidelines and any specific instructions to follow. In general, patients are advised to wait 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This 30-minutes allows time for the fluoride treatment to seal to the teeth.

What can you not do after a fluoride treatment?

Do not brush or floss your teeth, and eat only soft food for at least 4 hours after the treatment. Do not consume hot drinks or alcohol (including mouth rinses) for at least 4 hours after treatment. 3M Fast Release Varnish coating can be removed by brushing and flossing.

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.

Does insurance cover fluoride treatment?

How Much Does Fluoride Treatment Cost? Typically, fluoride treatments cost somewhere between $20 -$50. Because the treatment is designed as a prevention treatment that promotes good oral health, some dental insurance policies will cover the entire cost of treatment.

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. Fluoride treatments are offered after every dental cleaning appointment at Martin Dentistry.

Does fluoride build back enamel?

While fluoride can also fortify tooth enamel, it does not actively rebuild it. It also dilutes relatively quickly, and its overall effectiveness depends largely on diligent oral hygiene.

Can fluoride treatments make you sick?

Fluoride Safety

This can be dangerous to your health. Symptoms of fluoride toxicity may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased salivation or increased thirst. These symptoms generally begin 30 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 24 hours.

Does fluoride help receding gums?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities for people of all ages. It is also very effective in reducing tooth sensitivity due to gum recession and loss of enamel. Both over-the-counter and stronger dentist-prescribed gels and rinses are available.

Do adults need topical fluoride?

What you need to know as a dental consumer is that studies have shown topical fluoride applications performed by a dental professional create a significant benefit for adults who have moderate to high risk for cavities. There are several circumstances that warrant extra fluoride protection among adults.

Can I smoke with fluoride on my teeth?

To ensure that the fluoride treatment fully penetrates the tooth enamel and yield the desired result. 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.

Does my child need fluoride treatment?

Fluoride is recommended as part of a comprehensive tooth decay prevention program. Regular exposure to fluoride is safe, even for young infants. Even though fluoride is effective and safe, recent data showed that 13% of parents refused fluoride treatments for their child during a preventive dental or medical visit.

Can you 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.

Can you drink water after fluoride treatment?

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.