Is Fluoride Treatment at the Dentist Worthwhile?

What Is Fluoride Treatment and How Does It Work?

It is a treatment protocol in preventive dentistry that entails enriching teeth with a varnish, gel, or paste of concentrated fluoride. The fluoride element, otherwise present in natural foods in small amounts, is resourceful for building and sustaining strong and healthy teeth.

Fluoride encourages remineralization, a process that fosters better absorption of nutrients and minerals for teeth. As your teeth’ enamel better absorbs essential nutrients like calcium and phosphate, they become stronger. Besides, fluoride treatment in York Harbor, ME, also heightens your teeth’s resistance to bacteria and acids that erode enamels and cause cavities.

Understanding the Procedure for Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride dentists begin the treatment by cleaning your teeth to remove loose debris and plaque. This way, your teeth can better absorb the fluoride upon application. Afterward, the dentist will apply the fluoride varnish on your teeth, letting it stay on for several minutes. This period is essential to allow the element to penetrate the various layers of teeth.

How Do You Know When You Need Fluoride Treatment?

Generally, dentists recommend fluoride treatment for individuals at a higher risk of tooth decay. If your dentist notices any early signs of cavities or tooth decay, they are likely to recommend fluoride treatment as one of the remedies for maintaining a healthy smile. Some indicators that you need fluoride treatment are:

1. Frequent cavities or tooth decay
2. Inadequate or poor oral hygiene practices – especially among young kids that have yet to master and appreciate the benefits of daily tooth brushing and flossing.
3. Dry mouth syndrome is when you have insufficient saliva production to keep your mouth moist. Since saliva neutralizes acids in the mouth, you are at a greater risk of oral infections when you have a dry mouth.
4. Gum disease – patients with this infection may be more prone to tooth decay than the average person.
5. When undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is often hard to keep your teeth clean enough when you have braces. Fluoride treatments boost your teeth’s health in between orthodontic treatments.

What Makes Fluoride Treatment Worth Your Money?

If you decide to get a fluoride treatment at a dentist’s office nearby, it helps if you understand the benefits it offers your teeth. If not, you may not be diligent in visiting us at York Dental Group every 6 to 12 months for another treatment. Therefore, consider the following truths that make fluoride treatment a worthwhile investment:

1. Reversing cavities – did you know that fluoride treatment can reverse the process of cavity development? It only works when you visit your dentist during the early stages of cavity development. The treatment destroys bacteria and acids that cause cavities, reversing decay. However, if you have visible cavities that have already developed, your dentist will have you explore different treatment options.
2. Building strong teeth – teeth are strong when they resist wear and tear despite constant chewing. The strength of teeth can quickly be determined by the integrity and compactness of their structure. When you have eroded enamels, then your teeth are already weakened. Fluoride treatment fosters remineralization, which promotes a healthy tooth structure that does not break or crack easily.
3. Fighting tooth decay – fluoride on teeth makes them more resistant to acid attacks. Acid attacks occur due to plaque buildup on teeth that facilitates bacteria overgrowth. Besides, if you love sugary foods/drinks, you expose your enamel to acid attacks and erosion, heightening the risk of dental decay.
4. Cost-effective Prevention – fluoride treatment is relatively inexpensive compared to restorative dental procedures such as root canal therapy or dental fillings. Besides, you potentially save money by avoiding cavities and bacterial infections, which in turn prevents the need for more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
5. Suitable for all ages – fluoride treatment is not limited to a specific age group. While children, in particular, benefit from fluoride application since their teeth are still developing and more susceptible to decay, adults, too, can benefit from it.