Topical Fluoride Treatment in Whittier
At Perfect Smile Dental Group, we understand the importance of preventive care in maintaining optimal oral health. That’s why we’re proud to offer professional fluoride treatment as part of our comprehensive dental services. When combined with regular scheduled cleanings and exams, fluoride can help keep your smile big and bright.
What is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment involves the application of fluoride—a naturally occurring mineral that is activated by calcium and phosphate ions—to the teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay. Topical fluoride treatment can be administered in various forms, including fluoride gel, foam, or varnish. These treatments are recommended by the ADA for both children and adults twice a year as part of a preventive dental care routine.
In California, certain amounts of fluoride are added to tap water as a public health measure to prevent tooth decay and promote dental health. This process, known as water fluoridation, involves adjusting the natural fluoride levels in drinking water to an optimal concentration that provides dental benefits.
Tap water that includes fluoride has been recognized as one of the most effective public health interventions to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and reducing the risk of cavities.
What are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatment?
- Prevent Tooth Decay: Applying fluoride strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria. By forming a protective shield around your teeth, fluoride helps fend off cavities and keeps your smile strong and healthy. Regular fluoride treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cavities, especially in individuals at higher risk, such as children, seniors, and those with a history of dental problems.
- Strengthen Tooth Enamel: When applied, fluoride molecules dive deep into the enamel’s structure, forming fluorapatite, a more robust crystal. This fortified enamel becomes resilient against acid attacks from plaque, preventing decay and fortifying your smile’s defense.
- Support Overall Oral Health: By fortifying tooth enamel, fluoride helps fend off cavities and strengthens teeth against decay. Its protective shield extends beyond enamel, promoting healthy gums and reducing the risk of gum disease. With fluoride, you’re safeguarding your entire smile, ensuring long-lasting oral health and vitality.
- Safe and Effective: fluoride is both safe and supremely effective when used as directed by dental professionals. Rigorously studied and endorsed by leading health organizations, fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay without adverse effects. Whether applied during dental visits or consumed through fluoridated water, fluoride delivers unparalleled protection for your smile.
Post-Operative Instructions & Home Care
Topical fluoride treatment is recommended treatment for children and adults at risk for dental cavities. Fluoride slows the progress of tooth decay by re-mineralizing the enamel. Acids from food and those created by bacteria when you eat food with sugar can erode the enamel and cause cavities.
Fluoride treatment places a protective coating on the tooth surfaces. To obtain the maximum benefit, avoid hot drinks, hard food, and alcohol (including mouthwash) for 6 hours, do not brush or floss for at least 4-6 hours, and stick to a soft food diet for the rest of today. The day after you can resume all normal activities, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing.
Are Fluoride Treatments Safe?
Yes, fluoride is safe when used as directed by dental professionals. It is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and various foods. Fluoride is also added to many public water supplies—a process known as fluoridation—to help prevent tooth decay and promote oral health, including in California.
When applied topically during professional fluoride treatment, the benefits of fluoride include strengthening tooth enamel and providing essential protection against cavities without posing any significant health risks. That being said, having too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis.
This usually happens when children consume too much fluoride while their teeth are still developing. Fluorosis can affect the appearance of teeth, causing white spots or streaks. While mild cases are harmless, severe fluorosis can lead to more noticeable changes in tooth color and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does topical fluoride varnish do?
Topical Fluoride varnish enters the enamel of your teeth to re-mineralize and strengthen the teeth. Topical Fluoride varnish slows down, stops, and reverses early caries from damaging your enamel.
How much is topical fluoride treatment?
Topical fluoride varnish cost about $20 to $50.
Can you buy topical fluoride varnish over the counter?
Topical fluoride varnish can only be purchased with a pharmacy prescription from the dentist. Topical fluoride varnish should be properly applied by a dental professional after a dental cleaning to ensure your teeth are well protected.
How long does fluoride varnish last?
Topical Fluoride varnish continues to protect your teeth for several months after its application. Topical fluoride varnish should be reapplied every three to six months at your next dental cleaning.
Is fluoride treatment painful?
Application of topical fluoride varnish on teeth does not hurt. A brush is used to lightly paint a coat of high concentration of fluoride onto your teeth to strengthen them.
Can you swallow Topical fluoride varnish?
It is safe to swallow topical fluoride varnish.
How long after topical fluoride can I eat?
After application of topical fluoride varnish, it is recommended that you do not eat or drink hot beverages for 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to absorb into your enamel and protect your teeth.
Can you brush your teeth the night after fluoride?
After 30 minutes, you can eat, drink, and brush your teeth as usual.
Does fluoride whiten teeth?
Topical fluoride varnish protects and strengthens your teeth, but it does not whiten your teeth.
Will fluoride treatment make my teeth sensitive?
No, fluoride treatment is not known to cause tooth sensitivity. In fact, fluoride varnish, gels, and foams can help reduce sensitivity by strengthening tooth enamel and protecting against acid attacks.
I've heard that fluoride supplements are dangerous. Is that true?
Fluoride is safe when used as directed by dental professionals. It is a naturally occurring mineral that has been proven to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health when applied topically or ingested in appropriate amounts.
Can children benefit from fluoride treatment?
Yes, children can benefit greatly from fluoride treatment, as their developing teeth are particularly susceptible to decay. Professional fluoride treatment can help strengthen their enamel and protect against cavities.
At Perfect Smile Dental Group, we’re dedicated to helping you and your family achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the benefits of professional fluoride treatment. Let us help you smile with confidence for years to come!
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