5 Facts About Fluoride Treatment Everyone Should Know

Maintaining proper hygiene can prevent practically almost every common dental problem, including cavities and infection. By maintaining proper oral hygiene, we mean brushing at least twice daily, flossing every night, and using mouthwash from time to time.

However, doing that is not always enough to keep cavities away. Some corners in our mouths are hard to reach, and food particles are likely to be left there. When the food particles combine with the bacteria naturally in our mouths, they form cavity-causing acids. These acids attack the enamel and cause cavities. Cavities are especially more prevalent among kids aged between six and thirteen.

The good thing is the dentist can help prevent this prevalent problem through various dental procedures. Among the most common procedures for preventing cavities is fluoride treatment. In this blog, we will discuss fluoride treatment in detail to help you make an informed decision.

What is Fluoride Treatment?

It is the application of fluoride on the teeth surface. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has the capability of preventing cavities and strengthening bone. The mineral is safe, and it is not associated with any severe side effects. In fact, most tap water in the US contains fluoride.

However, this amount is not always enough to keep cavities away. That’s why fluoride treatment is vital. You can apply the fluoride yourself, but the best choice is to get the treatment in the dental office. A fluoride treatment dentist knows the right amounts to apply to your teeth’ surface, and he will also provide you with personalized advice for preventing cavities. Furthermore, you might end up using excess fluoride if you do it yourself.

What Happens During a Fluoride Treatment Procedure?

The fluoride treatment is fast and painless. The dentist will ask you not to eat or drink anything for about 30 minutes to allow your teeth to absorb the mineral fully. Kindly let the dentist know your medical history so he can choose the right amounts for you.

How Much Fluoride Is Enough?

The ADA recommends getting a fluoride treatment every three to twelve months, depending on a person’s oral health. Individuals with higher risks of cavities should get a fluoride treatment at least every three months. Those at the lowest risk can get it every 12 months.

That said, the recommended amounts of fluoride for persons of various age groups are as follows:

• 1.0 – 1.5 mg daily for kids below three years old
• 1.0- 2.5 mg daily for kids below six but above three years old.
• 1.5- 2.5 mg daily for kids between seven and ten
• 1.5- 4.5 mg for teens and adults

For kids below three years, you should supervise them while brushing to ensure they don’t swallow toothpaste. Kids above three can brush without swallowing fluoride toothpaste, but you should check on them regularly to ensure they spit.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment for adults has as many benefits as it has for kids. These benefits include:

• Fluoride hardens the tooth surface, making it hard enough to stop decay from attacking the tooth’s inner parts.
• The mineral inhibits bacteria, which helps prevent cavities.
• It strengthens your teeth.
• Fluoride treatment delays the need for expensive procedures in the future since it reduces the risk of cavities by up to 25 percent.
• It plays a crucial role in improving your oral and general health.
• Fluoride improves the usage of other minerals in the body, including phosphate and calcium.

Myths About Fluoride Treatment

Some adults fail to get fluoride treatment because they have been led to believe that it is not safe. Here are the common myths surrounding the topic:

• It causes fluorosis. That’s not true, though. Fluorosis only occurs if you take excess fluoride, which will not happen if you get treatment in a dental clinic.
• It is dangerous to kids. That’s false information because fluoride is safe for everyone, including kids.
• Fluoridated causes cancer. There is no evidence-based information to support this theory, and as far as science is considered, fluoride is safe, and it does not increase the risk of cancer.

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