Fluoride Treatments

Today, fluoride is one of the gold standards when it comes to the prevention of decay (dental caries). It is a natural mineral that is present in common things as foods and water. Cities have been known to incorporate it into their community waters to help with their population’s dental decay problems. Moreover, fluoride can be located in such hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Research shows its benefits in decreasing the chances of dental decay. Dental exams and radiographs can help monitor the success of your fluoride treatments.

Fluoride treatment is useful when combatting repeated decay in the mouth. There are a couple different types of Fluoride treatment available. Systemic Fluoride treatment is taken orally and Topical Fluoride treatment, which is most common, is applied to the surface of the teeth.

This form of fluoride acquisition would be via food and water. Moreover, there have been cases where physician(s) can prescribe fluoride to their patients in the form of tablets or droplets when they see necessary. While tablets are usually given to teenagers and adolescence, while droplets are reserved for infants. While there are benefits when used as directed, too much consumption can lead to a dental condition called fluorosis. This condition can lead to white spots on teeth, which are permanent. If your physician deems it necessary to prescribe you or your children fluoride, they will do so.  Please contact your physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding its use in the form of droplets or tablets.

This method of delivery is very common in the dental setting. This is usually in the form of a gel or foam and applied to the teeth surface usually after a prophy (Dental Prophylaxis). However, if deemed beneficial, trays can be fabricated to have the patient wear for a longer duration, to increase the exposure of the teeth to fluoride. This is usually recommended on a biannual (twice a year) tendency. Other ways we are exposed is by everyday tasks such as brushing our teeth with a toothpaste, and by using mouthwash which both can contain fluoride.

While we receive fluoride from our diet (food and water) there are certain criteria that warrant its uses for treatment to aid in preventing cavities. Some of the common reasons for treatment are as follows:

• • • Deep Pits and Fissures – these are the grooves that we have on our teeth. These grooves can trap foods and other material which can lead to decay.
  • • Dry Mouth – Saliva is not only a lubricant, but also helps protect your teeth. In the case of no to minimal saliva, fluoride treatment is highly recommended.
  • • Fair to Poor Oral Hygiene – in this situation, we would consider the patient moderate to high caries (tooth decay) risk. Here the added amount will aid with the addition of flossing, brushing and the utilization of mouthwash will still be a necessity to prevent tooth decay.
  • • Fluoride Deficiencies – When a person has none to minimal exposure, fluoride treatment will be highly recommended.
  • • High Sugar (Carbohydrate) Intake – The consumption of sugar(s) is a normal part of life; however, the over consumption can lead to tooth decay.

The most important thing to remember here is that fluoride alone is not soly adequate in preventing dental cavities (decay). The proper technique and frequency of flossing, brushing and utilization of mouthwash, which contain fluoride is an important part to help keep your teeth healthy and decay free. Depending on your oral health, we also recommend you come see us every 3-6 months for your routine hygenic cleaning and oral examination. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask Dr. Nima Mashhoon or the Registered Dental Hygienist about what is right for you or your child.

We offer other treatment options to help fight decay like oral tooth sealants, a tailored hygene schedule and in depth oral exams. We also go above and beyond for our patients and educate them on how they can optimize their orgal hygene techniques at home to ensure a healthy smile for many years to come.

Resources:

https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements

https://www.cda.org/Home/Public/Fluoride-and-Fluoridation