Is Fluoride Treatment Worth it? Benefits, Procedures, and Side effects

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that makes your teeth stronger and prevents cavities. It’s been used orally for many decades. Fluoride keeps your tooth enamel healthy and fights against harmful bacteria.

Fluoride can be used when your teeth are healthy or when they are slightly degraded. Raynham Dental Group has a fluoride dental practice department specializing in fluoride treatments. Fluoride treatment is virtually painless.

There are two forms of fluoride treatment: systemic and topical. Systemic fluorides are ingested since they are found in fluoridated water and dietary fluoride supplements. Topical fluoride is manually applied, and it is found in mouth rinses and toothpaste. It is also applied as a treatment at the dentist’s office.

According to the American Dental Association, adolescents benefit the most from using fluoride. Exposure to fluoride between the ages of six months to 16 years is ideal since this is the time when both primary and secondary teeth come in.

Advantages of fluoride treatments

• Repairs tooth enamel that was weak by replenishing calcium and phosphate minerals. The two minerals are critical in the development of the tooth.
• It makes teeth more resistant to tooth decay. However, fluoride does not remove tooth decay.
• It helps to maintain the tooth structures, especially artificial ones.

Fluoride dental procedure

In a professional fluoride treatment, the fluoride is in the form of a gel, foam, rinse, or varnish. The dentist uses a brush, swab, or mouthwash to apply the treatment. The fluoride concentrations in professional treatments are significantly higher than those in drinking water or your toothpaste.

The procedure takes less than ten minutes. After the treatment, avoid eating or drinking for half an hour to ensure optimal absorption. Depending on your oral health, the dentist may recommend fluoride treatments once or twice a year. If you are at a high risk of getting tooth decay, the dentist may recommend additional preventative measures such as an antibacterial mouth rinse.

In some cases, the patient could require fluoride supplements. When visiting a dentist for fluoride treatment, share your medical history with your doctor. It helps them provide the best treatment option for you.

Fluoride treatment for children

Children under three years old should not use professional fluoride. They should use fluoride-free toothpaste if possible. It prevents problems such as dental fluorosis. Supervise your children when they brush their teeth. Ensure you apply only a tiny amount of toothpaste to their toothbrush. Ideally, the toothpaste should occupy less than half the bristles.

By age six, you should start fluoride treatment to minimize the chances of cavities and tooth decay. The use of fluoridated water alone minimizes the chances of tooth decay by an incredible 43%.

Side effects of fluoride treatment

Despite its numerous benefits, it is not without possible side effects. Fluoride treatment can be problematic if you overdose or get too high a dose from the dentist. Constant overexposure to fluoride leads to brittle bones.

Excessive fluoride can cause white spots on mature teeth. It may also lead to staining on teeth or problems with homeostasis, which results in tooth discoloration. This is more widespread among children who ingest massive amounts of fluoride when their primary or secondary teeth start to grow.

Symptoms of fluoride toxicity

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating
• Tiredness

Conclusion

To ensure optimal dental hygiene, you should brush your teeth at least twice per day to erase any plaque developing on your teeth. You should also use dental floss to access areas that the toothbrush does not reach. Quit smoking and avoid sugary beverages and snacks to maintain good oral health.

It’s always easier to care for healthy teeth than damaged ones. You can use fluoride to keep your teeth in good condition. According to various research studies, fluoride is highly effective in preventing tooth decay. It can help you avoid cavities in both primary and secondary teeth.