What does fluoride from the dentist do?

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay.

Why does the dentist put fluoride on your 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.

Is fluoride at the 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.

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.

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.

How well do fluoride treatments work at preventing tooth decay?

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).

Does fluoride turn your teeth yellow?

Fluoride is good for teeth, but excess fluoride can cause yellow or brownish yellow spots called fluorosis. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste and prescribed fluoride tablets and treatments are your biggest sources of fluoride.

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.

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 long does fluoride need to stay on teeth?

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.

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 seniors need fluoride treatments?

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.

How long does it take 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.

Can I drink coffee after fluoride treatment?

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.

Why do you need fluoride?

​ A: Fluoride is a natural mineral that can slow or stop cavities from forming. Bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars and make acid that can harm the outer layer of the tooth (enamel). Fluoride protects teeth from damage and helps rebuild the enamel.

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.

Why you shouldn't use fluoride toothpaste?

Swallowing fluoride toothpaste can lead to fluorosis, which interferes with the development of tooth enamel and can result in white streaks on the teeth, and gastrointestinal problems if the amount is large enough.

What are side effects of too much fluoride?

Excess exposure to fluoride can lead to a bone disease known as skeletal fluorosis. Over many years, this can result in pain and damage to bones and joints. The bones may become hardened and less elastic, increasing the risk of fractures.

Does fluoride darken your teeth?

Excessive fluoride: In small doses, fluoride is an important tooth protector, but in high doses, it can cause your teeth to discolor. Elevated exposure may come from high fluoride content in the local water supply or excessive use of fluoride toothpaste, rinses, and supplements.

Does fluoride cause tooth discoloration?

Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.

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.

Does fluoride help sensitive teeth?

Fluoride naturally re-hardens the enamel of your teeth, which helps soothe tooth sensitivity and helps prevent dental caries. There are several different treatments available. High fluoride toothpastes are available on prescription for treatment courses of up to 3 months.

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.

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.