What Is Fluoride Treatment?

Regular fluoride treatments are an essential part of preventive dentistry. If you’re at great risk of developing dental caries or cavities, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth and reverse the early stages of tooth decay.

Fluoride is an essential mineral that helps build and maintain healthy teeth and bones. Fluoride helps restore lost minerals to your teeth’ enamel and fight the harmful bacteria that damage your teeth and gums. Read on to learn more about professional fluoride treatments.

Professional fluoride treatment: What to Expect

Dental fluoride treatments contain a highly concentrated fluoride in the form of:

• Mouthwash. The dentist will give you a highly concentrated fluoride solution to swish around the teeth and mouth.
• Gel or foam. The dentist applies fluoride to the teeth and leaves it to rest for several minutes.
• Varnish. It’s the most common in-office fluoride treatment. The dentist uses a brush or swab to apply fluoride to the teeth. The fluoride should remain on the teeth for several hours (commonly six) before brushing off.

Professional fluoride treatments often contain higher concentrations of fluoride than other sources like:

• Fluoride supplements like tablets or lozenge
• Tap water
• Foods like fish and tea
• Fluoride toothpaste or rinses

Always consult your dentist about fluoride toothpaste or supplements to take. According to the ADA, your dentist can give professional fluoride treatments every 3, 6, or 12 months, often based on oral health and age. Visit our office for routine fluoride treatment near you.

How long does fluoride treatment last?

Often, fluoride treatments are provided as a varnish applied to the teeth and left for 4 – 6 hours. It allows the fluoride to get absorbed into the teeth and offers the necessary protection. Your dentist will instruct you not to brush or rinse your mouth or consume anything that can wash away the fluoride before it’s absorbed into the teeth. After the specified time has passed, you can brush your teeth or eat.

Can you eat after fluoride treatment?

Commonly, you can eat after a fluoride treatment. However, the dentist recommends waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This time allows time for fluoride to get absorbed and seal the teeth.

After 30 minutes, you can eat soft and cold foods and beverages like cool water, scrambled eggs, avocado, and yogurt. However, you should stay clear of hot, hard, chewy, alcoholic, acidic, or soft foods and drinks for at least 6 hours. You should also avoid brushing, flossing, or rinsing your mouth for at least 6 hours. Follow your dentist’s post-procedure instructions for maximum protection.

Benefits of Professional Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments should be part of your oral care routine for optimal oral health. Below are the key benefits of having regular fluoride treatments:

• • Restores minerals in your enamel

While your enamel is the hardest tissue in your body, damaging acids from bacteria and foods can break down the minerals that make up your enamel, significantly weakening your tooth.

Since the enamel comprises more than 95% minerals, essential minerals like calcium and phosphorous are vital to keeping your teeth healthy and strong. When you have weakened enamel, your teeth will be more susceptible to infections and damage.

Fluoride treatments help restore the lost minerals to the teeth, a process known as remineralization. Ultimately, this rebuilds and strengthens your teeth and reverses any existing damages. Please note that fluoride treatments can’t reverse cavities once the damage has passed the enamel.

• • Protect your tooth from tooth decay and cavities.

Your teeth are ever at risk of bacteria attacks and fractures. Fluoride treatments regularly remineralize and strengthen your teeth, making them less susceptible to erosion, sensitivity, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Using tap water and fluoride toothpaste at home can help better protect your teeth. In the long run, these treatments save you from the need for complex and expensive dental work.

Are you interested in fluoride treatment in Dallas?

Would you like to learn more about fluoride treatments? Or are you ready to schedule your next fluoride treatment? Contact Trinity Dental Loft to book a consultation with our Dallas dentist.