Fluoride Treatment
Surprise, AZ
Fluoride treatment is a preventive dentistry treatment during which a dental hygienist or a dentist uses fluoride in high concentrations on the patient's teeth.
Fluoride helps strengthen teeth prone to decay, helping prevent the formation of cavities.
At Surprise Smiles, we will provide you with all of the necessary information that will enable you to make the right decision concerning your oral health, together with that of your family members.
What Are Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride treatment is a procedure in which the targeted teeth are coated using concentrated fluoride as a varnish, foam, gel, or solution. However, the fluoride used is at higher levels and offers quick results compared to the fluoride used in toothpaste.
Why Should You Use Fluoride Treatment?
Several benefits come with fluoride treatment.
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Fluoride treatments help reduce cavities by avoiding bacteria that cause tooth decay.
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This procedure also helps strengthen the developing tooth enamel making them resistant to decay.
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It helps ensure the teeth absorb minerals like phosphate and calcium, aiding in enamel repair and helping prevent the weakening of the teeth.
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Topical fluoride will also help in preventing premature tooth loss and gum disease. |
Fluoride Treatment Procedure
Sometimes our dentists will recommend in-office fluoride treatment despite there being over-the-counter fluoride treatment. It is recommended that you perform fluoride treatment every six months for both kids and teens.
One of our dentists will fill a disposable tray with fluoride foam or gel during fluoride treatment and place it into your mouth or your child's mouth.
You will bite down on the try as our dentist suctions saliva, ensuring fluoride is not swallowed.
The trays will be removed after one minute. Patients are advised not to eat or drink within 30 minutes after fluoride treatment.
How Much Fluoride Toothpaste Should I Use?
Are you an adult or able to brush your teeth by yourself? A pea-sized toothpaste amount will be enough. Anything more than that will be in excess and unnecessary.
Immediately after your kids start getting teeth, you should start using toothpaste with fluoride.
According to American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations, fluoride should be used earlier and in the size of a grain of rice for babies who have just got their first teeth.
This will ensure no tooth development problems or intestinal issues if any fluoride is accidentally ingested.
Is Fluoride Treatment Safe?
Fluoride treatment is safe for adults and children. However, parents are advised not to give their children high quantities of fluoride as it can lead to discoloration of their teeth.
Is Fluoride Treatment a Painful Procedure?
Fluoride treatment does not hurt. If there is any pain, it might be due to tooth decay or gum disease.
Is Fluoride Only Necessary for Children?
Studies confirm that adults benefit from fluoride just as children do.
Previously, dentists thought that fluoride was only beneficial when teeth were developing, so fluoride treatments were considered a process used for children.
With new research revealing the benefits of long-term and continual application of fluoride, we continue to provide treatments on our adult patients to strengthen their enamel and slow the development of decay.
Besides prescribed topical fluoride, we also recommend patients seek toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain fluoride to help fight decay. We always recommend regularly-scheduled teeth cleanings as well.
Is There Fluoride in My Drinking Water?
Increasingly, cities are adding fluoride to tap water. The best way to know if it is in yours is to contact your water company.
Currently, 43 of the 50 largest cities in the U.S. have fluoridated tap water.
Patients who get their water from a private well, or who consume mainly bottled water, may not be getting that added benefit and should speak with us about getting adequate fluoride.
Fluoride and a Dry Mouth
Patients may experience a dry mouth or decreased saliva production when taking a certain medication or being treated for a medical issue. Saliva is important to our oral health, without it, we cannot naturally neutralize acids from foods in our mouth, saliva also helps keep our mouths clean by clearing away bacteria and food debris. A lack of saliva leaves us susceptible to tooth decay.
You can help keep your teeth healthy and strong by following these tips for kids home home care, drinking more water, and by strengthening your teeth with a fluoride treatment.
At Home and In Office Fluoride Treatments
We offer both at home and in office prescribed fluoride treatments.
At Home Fluoride Treatment
At home, prescribed fluoride treatments are provided in a gel format. We will review the directions with you, but be sure to read all materials before application.
In Office Fluoride Treatment
We are happy to provide you the fluoride treatment you need during your dental visit. With your mouth dry, we can apply the fluoride as a paint, a foam or a varnish treatment. The patient is asked to stay still for a few minutes with the treatment of their teeth. They will then be asked to not consume liquid or food for half an hour following treatment.
Call Your Dentist in Surprise, AZ About Fluoride Treatments Today!
Are you interested in undergoing fluoride treatment for yourself or your family members? Surprise Smiles will help you decide if fluoride treatment will be of benefit to you. Our experienced dentists will decide what amount and fluoride treatment type will be necessary. Contact us at (602) 842-4864 today to schedule an appointment or to get a personalized quote. |
