What is Fluoride Treatment? What Are The Benefits & Side Effects?

Dr. Firoz Lalani

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Firoz Lalani

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You must have heard about fluoride.

It is a natural mineral that plays an important role in dental health. It increases the strength of the teeth as well as prevents cavities. Fluoride TreatmentsDid you know that most of the tap water in America contains small amounts of fluoride to minimize tooth decay? Apart from that, toothpaste generally contains fluoride. Talking about the dietary fluoride, the main sources are tea, water, food cooked in water, and fish eaten with their bones.

Fluoride protects tooth enamel and helps prevent bacteria that damage teeth and gums.

This brief guide will educate you on the fluoride treatment along with its benefits and side effects.

WHAT IS FLUORIDE TREATMENT

Fluoride treatment is generally provided at the dentist’s office.

In this process, a high concentration of fluoride is applied to the patient’s teeth. Such treatments use fluoride in a gel, foam, solution, or varnish form.

Sometimes a dentist prescribes high-concentration fluoride being applied at home by a patient.

The fluoride used by the dentists can be higher than those found in toothpaste.

Fluoride

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM FLUORIDE TREATMENT

The topical application of fluoride is done with a swab or brush. Avoid eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after the treatment is done. This way, your teeth can better absorb the fluoride.

You might be asked to undergo fluoride treatments every 6-12 months.

If you are highly vulnerable to tooth decay, you can be prescribed fluoride mouth rinses or gels as well as an antibacterial mouth rinse.

Kids can undergo fluoride treatments as soon as their first tooth develops. But kids under two should be given fluoride-free toothpaste.

Excessive ingestion of fluoride by a young child can cause dental fluorosis in them.

However, the fluoride varnish used by a dentist is safe for the kids. A small amount of fluoride is used to treat their teeth under strict supervision to avoid the ingestion of fluoride.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FLUORIDE TREATMENTS?

Protecting Teeth Enamel:

Fluoride treatments are known for protecting the tooth’s enamel.

Once the enamel wears out, your teeth become sensitive to warm, hot, or cold liquid as you consume them.

Fluoride treatments can minimize the amount of sensitivity as well as protect the teeth and their enamel from acids and harmful bacteria.Tooth TreatmentRestoring Minerals in the Teeth:

Acid harms the teeth by damaging the enamel. It also breaks down the teeth structure by affecting the minerals that make up the teeth.

Calcium and phosphorous are essential minerals for your teeth. The loss of these minerals can undermine your dental health. Fluoride works by restoring those vital minerals in your teeth.

Minimizing Cavities and Tooth Decay:

Our mouth is full of bacteria. The consumption of sugars and starches lets bacteria create an acid that damages the enamel. Fluoride treatment helps minimize tooth decay and cavities.

Saving You Money in the Long Run:

Dental treatments are expensive, especially when it comes to treating critical issues. Therefore, it is better to opt for fluoride treatment from time to time to keep teeth problems at bay. And it helps you save money on dental treatment.

 

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF FLUORIDE TREATMENTS?

Fluoride treatment is completely safe as long as it is performed according to the precautions. Excessive fluoride or overdosing can be harmful to the teeth and bones as well. That’s why many kid’s toothpastes doesn’t have fluoride in them.

Some common side effects of fluoride overdose are:

  • White specks on the teeth.
  • Teeth staining
  • Bone problems
  • Nausea, tiredness, and diarrhea (associated with fluoride supplement pills).

Even worse, it can cause death. Make sure to keep fluoride supplements away from children.

So this is all about fluoride treatment. It is a safe and beneficial treatment for your dental health. However, be careful about the doses otherwise it might harm you. What do you think? Let us know by commenting below!

 

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