6 Vital Things You Need to Know About Fluoride Treatment

Brushing and flossing are crucial to keeping your teeth healthy and in their best condition. However, it is not always enough to prevent cavities, especially among children. There are some hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. These areas become a home for bacteria, which then reacts with food particles making acids that cause cavities.

Luckily, a visit to the dentist every six months can reduce your risk for cavities drastically. One of the extra measures that the dentist takes to prevent cavities is a fluoride treatment. In this blog, we will discuss fluoride treatment in detail. Talk to us if you are looking for a fluoride treatment in Portland, OR.

What is Fluoride Treatment?

A fluoride treatment is the application of fluoride on a person’s teeth. The procedure is fast and painless. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element known for its ability to strengthen bones and prevent cavities. Typically, fluoride can be taken through water or applied on teeth’s surface.

A fluoride treatment in the dental office is considered the best option. The dentist uses a high amount of fluoride, but not too high to cause any significant side effects. The fluoride prevents cavities by up to 25 percent.

You can also have a fluoride treatment at home. However, it would help if you were careful not to overuse it. We recommend getting a fluoride treatment in a dental office. We are here for you if you are looking for fluoride treatment dentistry near you.

What Not to Eat after Fluoride Treatment

There is a common myth of fluoride treatment that it can limit the type of food you take. That’s not the case, though. A fluoride treatment will not limit the foods you should take.

However, it is advisable not to eat or drink anything within 30 minutes after the procedure. Eating or drinking immediately after the procedure will wash away the fluoride before your teeth absorb enough. Also, we advise you not to take the following foods within six hours after the procedure:

• Hot drinks and foods
• Alcohol, including alcohol-based mouthwashes
• Hard foods

You should also avoid brushing and flossing your teeth within six hours after the procedure. However, you can take some soft foods and cold drinks within one hour after the treatment.

Fluoride Treatment for Children Vs. Fluoride Treatment for Adults

Typically, children get a fluoride treatment every six months during regular dental visits. Most insurance covers the cost of the procedure for kids until they are 18 years old. However, that does not mean fluoride treatment is not important among adults.

Adults enjoy the same benefits of fluoride treatment as children, and they should get treatment once in a while. The fluoride adds strength to the teeth, making them last longer. It also prevents cavities. Cavities affect people of all ages, not just children. We are here for you if you are looking for fluoride treatment near you in Portland, OR.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

The treatment comes with many benefits, which include:

• It makes your teeth less vulnerable to cavities.
• It improves the usage of other minerals such as phosphate and calcium, which are important to the body.
• Fluoride attacks harmful cavity-causing bacteria, slowing the reactions and decreasing the risk of cavities.
  It improves your general health. Typically, when your oral health is at its best, your overall health will be excellent too.
• Reduces the risk for dental emergencies and the need to visit the dentist near you with constant toothaches and gum disease.

Dental Fluoride Treatment Side Effects

Fluoride treatment has many benefits, but it also has a few side effects. These side effects include:

• If you take fluoride in high amounts, it can lead to tooth discoloration.
• Some people are allergic to fluoride treatments.
• If you fail to follow instructions when applying the fluoride at home, it can lead to toxic side effects.
• If you take fluoride in excess, it can lead to excessive sweating.

How Much Does a Fluoride Treatment Cost?

Fluoride treatment is one of the most affordable dental procedures. For kids below the age of 18, the cost is often covered by insurance. For adults, you can get a fluoride treatment for as low as $30. Typically, it costs between $20 and $50. For at-home fluoride kits, you can purchase them in bulk for $5-$40.

Serene Dental

Fluoride treatment is important and can help prevent cavities, but it is not always enough. Sometimes, the dentist may have to use dental sealants for extra protection. Talk to us if you are looking for a fluoride treatment dentist in Portland, OR. Book an appointment now.