Fluoride Treatment Benefits and Recommendations

Fluoride is a fundamental mineral that helps build strong teeth and prevents cavities. Fluoride has implied and continues to persist as a necessary oral health treatment for decades, preserving healthy tooth enamel and fighting bacteria that are harmful to the teeth and gums. The outermost protective layer is the tooth enamel on all teeth.

If you are at a high risk of dental cavities or caries, you must seek fluoride treatment from the dentist near me. When you allow bacteria to build upon your teeth and gums to form a sticky layer of plaque, cavities begin to occur. Plaque produces toxins to erode the tissue of the teeth and gums. When plaque penetrates the enamel layer, the bacteria within infect and harm the nerves and blood at the tooth’s center.

Learn more about how fluoride treatment benefits you besides the recommendations for this treatment.

What Can You Expect during Fluoride Treatments?

The dentist in Excelsior, MN, provides professional fluoride treatments in the office with a highly concentrated rinse varnish, gel, or foam. Fluoride treatments are applied using a swab, tray, brush, or mouthwash. Professional fluoride treatments from dentists contain more fluoride than is available in water or toothpaste. The therapy requires merely a few minutes. However, you are restricted from consuming any foods or beverages for the next 30 minutes after the application to ensure your teeth absorb the fluoride.

Provide the dentist your entire medical history before seeking fluoride treatment near me to enable the professional to select the suitable treatment for you.

What Are the Costs of Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatment for kids is covered by dental insurance companies. However, if you need fluoride treatment as an adult, you may have to pay $ 10-$ 30 out of pocket or more. However, you can inquire with your dentist about the costs before undergoing the treatment.

What Is Your Requirement for Fluoride?

Professional fluoride treatments are recommended by the American Dental Association from dentists every three, six, or 12 months depending on your oral health. If you are at high risk for decay, your dentist may suggest a special fluoride rinse or gel for application at home.

Your risk of cavities increases dramatically if you consume excessive alcohol or indulge in drug use, have an eating disorder, and maintain poor oral hygiene. The lack of professional dental care, poor diet, and weak enamel or xerostomia causing decreased saliva also increase your risks of cavities.

You can receive optimal fluoride intake from food, water, and supplements. Experts recommend the following daily requirements of fluoride to maintain strong enamel to prevent cavities.

Children from infancy until three years are recommended 0.1 milligrams to 1.5 milligrams per day. The quantity increases from 1 milligram to 2.5 milligrams for children between four to six and 1.5 milligrams to 2.5 milligrams for children from seven to ten. Adolescents and adults need 1.5 milligrams to four milligrams per day.

Benefits of Fluoride

Fluoride functions by restoring minerals to tooth surfaces where the enamel has been eroded by bacteria. Fluoride also inhibits the development of harmful oral bacteria to further prevent cavities. Unfortunately, fluoride cannot remove decay. However, it creates a robust outer surface for your teeth, helping to stop pollution from penetrating the deeper parts of the teeth.

Fluoride benefits both adults and children. The sooner children are exposed to fluoride, the lesser their chances are to develop cavities. Studies conducted reveal children and adolescents receiving fluoride treatments for a year lessened the chances of tooth decay and cavities by around 43 percent.

You can receive fluoride either from professionally administered fluoride treatment in Excelsior, MN, and toothpaste you use to brush your teeth. The ADA states getting fluoride topically and systemically is best even if you live in an area where fluoridated water is available.

The Conclusion

Fluoride is a fundamental mineral that prevents cavities. Fluoride restores minerals to the tooth enamel to prevent harmful bacteria from accumulating in the mouth. Overdosing to fluoride causes adverse complications.

Your oral health is associated with other bodily functions and overall health. Therefore, you must take good care of your mouth using the following tips:

• Brush twice daily for two minutes each.
• Floss your teeth.
• Stay away from sugary snacks and beverages.
• Quit smoking.
• Visit an experienced dentist for exams and cleanings at least once a year.

Fluoride treatments shouldn’t scare you because they are just a topical application which the dentist completes in approximately 30 minutes to allow you to proceed with your regular activities. However, the treatment helps prevent cavities for several months.