What Does Fluoride Treatment Involve?

In case your children are not getting enough fluoride to protect their teeth, then your dentist might recommend a fluoride treatment instead of fluoride supplement.

Minerals are lost and added to your enamel every day through two processes. Demineralization is the loss of minerals, while remineralization is the addition of minerals. Acids from plaque and sugars in the mouth attack the enamel and shed the fluoride on the surface.

Fluoride, calcium, and phosphate minerals are re-deposited on the surface every time you eat foods rich in these minerals. If too much fluoride is shed, it may lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay then transforms into cavities.

Who Is in Need of Fluoride Treatment?

Infants start growing deciduous teeth at the age of 6 months and permanent teeth at the age of 6 years. In this case, children between 6 and 16 years need more fluoride. During this period, they are growing permanent teeth hence need fluoride to strengthen their teeth.

However, adults need fluoride to replace the one that is shed by acids. Fluoride can be found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and fluoride treatments.

Fluoride Treatment for Children

Fluoride varnish is the most common fluoride treatment in Hazlet, NJ.  At All Smiles Dental Care, a dentist uses a brush to paint fluoride paste on the tops and sides of your child’s teeth. With each dental appointment, your child gets fluoride on his or her teeth;hence you do not have to worry about cavities.

This process requires less time, and your kids do not have to wait for long to eat anything. However, they should avoid brushing or flossing their teeth for six hours after application.

What Are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatment?

These treatments are usually done by professionals; thus, they take safety precautions while carrying out the procedure.

Fluoride treatment, therefore, has the following benefits:

1. It prevents and slows down the development of cavities. Fluoride harms the bacteria causing decay, thus prevent your teeth from developing cavities.
2. Fluoride embeds into the tooth structure of developing teeth and strengthens the enamel. It makes teeth less vulnerable to bacteria causing decay.
3. It helps teeth to reabsorb phosphate and calcium minerals that strengthen the teeth.

When these benefits are broken down, they end up to:

• Reduction of risk for cavities
• Retard the growth of cavities
• Reduce time and cost to treat cavities
• Prolongs the life of your child’s teeth

By preventing cavities, it reduces the risk of premature teeth loss, gum diseases, and pain.

Are There Any Risks Related to Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride is risky if it is used in high amounts. The following are the dangers of high fluoride content:

Teeth Discoloration

This is the most common side effect of fluoride. A condition known as Fluorosis causes white streaks on the teeth and other kinds of discoloration. It happens when a child is developing permanent teeth under the gums while consuming too much fluoride.

Teeth discoloration is common among little children who consume lots of fluorides. The main sources of this fluoride are fluoride supplements and using large amounts of toothpaste.

Allergies

Some people may be allergic to fluoride. They may experience skin irritation that leads to inflammations. These reactions are, however, rare.

Toxic Effects

If applied in excessive amounts, fluoride can be toxic. It can also be toxic if applied inappropriately. Children should be treated with fluoride varnish since they tend to swallow gels and foams. Swallowing may cause vomiting and nausea.

Recommendations

Dentists recommend fluoride treatment for children as soon as their permanent teeth start growing—this aids in preventing tooth decay and cavities. The treatments should be repeated every 3 to 6 months.

To reduce fluoride overexposure, dentists recommend the following:

1. Always supervise your children while brushing their teeth to prevent swallowing toothpaste. Ensure they use pea-sized toothpaste amount while brushing.
2. Brush your child’s teeth with the right amount of toothpaste.
3. Children under the age of six should not use mouthwashes and at-home fluoride supplements since they tend to swallow them.

Adults should also use the right amounts of toothpaste and get fluoride treatment. People living in areas with low fluoride content in water should visit a dentist to discuss the possibilities of fluoride treatment.