Is Fluoride Treatment Supposed to Stay on Forever?
Fluoride treatments are essential in preventing tooth decay and cavities. Therefore, it is crucial that you visit a fluoride dentist near you for treatment. However, most people think these treatments should stay on forever. Sadly, this is not the case. Read on to learn how long fluoride treatments last.
How Do Fluoride Treatments Prevent Decay?
Fluoride is a mineral that helps fight against tooth decay and subsequent issues like caries and gum disease. It is applied topically on teeth or ingested through water, foods, or supplements. Fluoride treatments in Union City, NJ, involve the topical application of the mineral on teeth and the use of fluoride supplements.
Your teeth have minerals like calcium and phosphate that strengthen them. However, these minerals can be lost from the tooth, a process called demineralization. As a result, tooth decay and cavities increase. Fortunately, fluoride accelerates the remineralization process by limiting the amount of mineral lost.
Fluoride also prevents decay by making teeth more decay-resistant. It strengthens the tooth enamel making your teeth less vulnerable to cavities. In addition, fluoride reverses small caries and slows the rate of cavity formation.
How Long Do Fluoride Treatments Last?
When you go for a fluoride treatment for teeth, you are assured of protection against caries. However, this protection does not last forever. When fluoride varnish is applied to teeth, it penetrates the dental enamel. The process continues for several hours after the application.
That is why the dentist will advise you not to eat or drink anything for the first half an hour after the treatment. This is because fluoride can be wiped from the teeth as you eat, hindering absorption. For similar reasons, your dentist will also ask you not to clean your teeth until about six hours after the process.
The varnish remaining on your teeth will start to wear away when you eat or brush your teeth. It will fade entirely after a few days but will continue protecting your teeth for a few months. Therefore, a dentist must reapply the fluoride varnish every six months. This ensures better efficacy and protection for you or your child.
Fluoride Varnish for Kids
Kids are more prone to decay than adults. This is because of poor oral hygiene and dietary habits. Children benefit significantly from fluoride treatments in Union City, NJ. In addition, the procedure is straightforward and pain-free, making it suitable for all kids. First, the dental expert will clean the child’s teeth thoroughly. They will then dry the teeth carefully and apply fluoride varnish to coat them.
You will be requested not to give your child food or drinks for the next 30 minutes. This allows the mineral to be adequately absorbed into the teeth. Dental professionals recommend fluoride treatments every six months for all kids. However, some kids below need more frequent fluoride treatments. Those who require 2-4 fluoride treatments per year are:
- Children who take starchy or sweet snacks frequently daily
- Premature kids
- Kids who use a bottle after 15 months
- Children with siblings who have caries before the age of six
- Kids with special healthcare needs
- Kids who do not have a dentist or frequent access to dental care
Fluoride Treatments for Adults
Adults, too, can benefit from topical fluoride varnish. However, the procedure may vary slightly since the dentist will use dental trays to administer the fluoride varnish. Your dentist will apply the fluoride gel on the tray and then put it on your teeth for a few minutes. Frequent fluoride treatments for adults are recommended for the following conditions:
- Dry mouth condition due to certain medicines, diseases, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy. The issue increases the risk of decay because of the inadequate supply of saliva.
- History of cavities on an annual or biennial basis
- .Gum disease may expose the parts of your teeth below the gum line, increasing the chance of decay.
- The presence of crowns and bridges or braces increases the risk of decay. This occurs when the appliances join the underlying natural tooth structure.
Are you considering fluoride treatments for yourself or your child? Then contact us at Hudson Family Dental. We provide fluoride treatments and other preventive dentistry treatments. Visit us to help reduce the risk of cavities and other oral health issues for your entire family.