Oh, don’t be silly – EVERYONE wants fluoride. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to get a fluoride treatment, let us put your mind at ease. Fluoride treatments offer numerous benefits that can enhance your dental health and keep your smile strong and healthy for years to come. Continue reading to explore all aspects of fluoride treatment benefits.

Fluoride Treatment Benefits

• Strengthens teeth: Fluoride has outstanding properties that allow it to rebuild enamel, which is the outer protective layer of your teeth. This process strengthens your teeth and reverses early signs of tooth decay.
• Reduces sensitivity: Going hand-in-hand with rebuilding weakened enamel, fluoride reduces sensitivity in your teeth by strengthening the enamel. The enamel acts as a protective barrier that prevents discomfort.
• Prevents cavities: Another property of Fluoride is the ability to reduce the acid tolerance of bacteria, which is the primary cavity culprit. With regular fluoride treatments, you can lower your risk of developing cavities.

How to Avoid Overuse (Fluorosis)

Dental fluorosis occurs when an excess of fluoride is ingested while teeth develop under the gums. Therefore, this issue impacts children up to about the age of 8. The main problem that dental fluorosis causes is tooth discoloration, which can be avoided by limiting the amount of fluoride your child consumes (no toothpaste swallowing!). There is another type of fluorosis referred to as ‘skeletal fluorosis’. This version is caused by chronic exposure to fluoride over many years. However, this is an uncommon occurrence in the United States.

Is Fluoride Necessary?

Fluoride is necessary to prevent tooth decay and disease. Since the items you consume can increase or decrease the fluoride in your system, it is important to maintain levels through fluoride treatments. Without treatments, you face the threat of more cavities, increased tooth sensitivity, and dry mouth. You can add the fluoride treatment to your routine teeth cleaning appointment to help simplify scheduling.

How Long After Fluoride Can I Eat?

We recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking after your appointment. This will allow you to reap the full benefits of the treatment as the fluoride will be fully dry after 30 minutes. The process is only about 2 minutes long, so you won’t have to wait too long between meals!

Fluoride Treatment Cost

Fluoride treatments are a cost-effective way to protect your teeth, typically ranging from $25 to $50 per session. Most people receive these treatments once every six months, but depending on your specific oral health needs, your dentist may recommend them more frequently.

Should I Get Fluoride at the Dentist?

While at-home fluoride care, such as utilizing fortified toothpaste and mouth rinses, is beneficial, professional fluoride treatments at the dentist offer even greater protection. At our office, we use a higher-strength topical fluoride gel/varnish that dries in just 30 minutes. This treatment helps strengthen enamel, reduce tooth sensitivity, and lower the risk of cavities, providing long-term benefits for your oral health.

Fluoride? For Spring? Groundbreaking.

Ready to boost your dental care? Ask about fluoride treatments at Springfield Dental Group to protect your teeth and prevent sensitivity this spring. Schedule an appointment today!