The Effectiveness of Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is an essential mineral helping build healthy teeth and preventing cavities. It has been a fundamental oral health treatment for decades. Supporting healthy tooth enamel while fighting the bacteria harming the teeth and gums is the responsibility of fluoride.
Fluoride is particularly helpful if you are prone to dental caries or cavities. Cavities begin to form when the bacteria in your mouth buildup a sticky layer of plaque on your teeth and gums. The plaque produces acids that cause erosion of the teeth and gum tissue. When plaque penetrates the enamel layer, the bacteria infect and harm the nerve and blood vessels at the center of the tooth. Please continue reading for more information about dental fluoride treatment in Bolton, ON, its benefits, and other information.
What to Expect during Professional Fluoride Treatments?
The fluoride treatment dentist provides professional treatments using a concentrated rinse of fluoride gel, varnish, or foam. The treatment is provided as a mouthwash, tray, or applied with a swab or brush.
Professional fluoride treatments contain more fluoride than available in tap water or toothpaste. The application merely requires a few minutes, but you may be requested not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after treatment to ensure the fluoride absorbs entirely. It helps if you provide your dentist your entire health history to choose the right treatment for you.
What Is Your Requirement for Fluoride?
Recommendations from the Canadian Dental Association state that you must receive a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office every three, six, or 12 months depending on your oral health condition. If you are at a higher risk of cavities prescription for a special fluoride rinse is provided by South Hill dental. Your dentist may recommend a particular fluoride rinse or gel for at-home use.
What Are The Costs Associated with Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride treatments for children are covered by insurance providers. However, as an adult, you may require to pay $ 30 or more for the treatment. You can inquire about the costs of the treatment with the dentist before undergoing the procedure.
The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride functions by restoring minerals to tooth surfaces where bacteria erosion has occurred. Fluoride also inhibits the growth of harmful oral microorganisms to prevent further cavities. Fluoride treatments don’t remove tooth decay but only create a firmer outer surface for your teeth. The more robust surface prevents tooth decay from penetrating the deeper layers of the tooth.
Fluoride benefits both children and adults, and the earlier children are exposed to fluoride, the better it is for them to prevent cavities. However, exposing children to excessive fluoride before eight can cause fluorosis leaving them with mildly discolored teeth requiring fluorosis treatment to correct the discoloration.
Before the inclusion of fluoride in toothpaste, studies revealed that people with access to fluoridated water were less likely to get cavities. It is why the ADA and the CDC recommend some fluoride be present in drinking water.
Are There Any Side Effects of Fluoride Treatments?
You may experience harmful complications with too much fluoride, similar to any other medicines. You can receive too much fluoride accidentally or obtaining a prescription that’s inappropriate for you. Although fluoride poisoning is rare chronic overexposure can harm developing bones and teeth in young children. It is why many children’s toothpaste doesn’t include fluoride.
Overexposure to fluoride causes the following:
- Mature teeth are displaying white specks.
- Pitting and staining on the teeth.
- Issues with bone homeostasis.
- Very dense bones that are not healthy.
An overdose on fluoride supplement pills causes acute toxicity resulting in nausea, excessive sweating, diarrhea, and fatigue. Fluoride also proves fatal in some instances. Therefore fluoride treatments must always remain beyond the reach of children.
Fluoride is a mineral helpful for preventing cavities and occurring naturally. Fluoride prevents harmful microorganisms from accumulating in the mouth by restoring minerals to the tooth enamel. Adverse complications can happen if you overdose on fluoride. Your oral health has a substantial impact on your overall well-being. It would help if you took excellent care of your oral health by:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing at least once every day.
- Avoiding sugary snacks and beverages, and smoking.
- Visiting South Hill dental at least once in 12 months for exams and cleanings.
Fluoride treatments, coupled with the habits mentioned above, will ensure your teeth have an additional protective barrier against cavities to prevent extensive and expensive treatments.