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What Are the Benefits, Side Effects, and Recommendations for Fluoride Treatment?

Nov 16, 2018

Fluoride and dental health are two very important elements to a happy, healthy smile.

But you may be wondering, “What happens during a professional fluoride treatment?” If so, here’s some information to help answer that question.

Dentists provide fluoride treatments in the form of a highly-concentrated rinse, gel, or foam. The treatment can be applied using a brush, swab, ort mouthwash.

So, how much fluoride do you need? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional fluoride treatment every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your oral health. Also, if you’re at high risk for cavities, your dentist near you may also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or gel to use regularly at home.

Fluoride for children is different.

If your child is under 3 years old, they should only brush their teeth with close supervision. Apply only a thin layer of fluoride toothpaste to their toothbrush. The toothpaste should cover less than half of the bristles and be no bigger than a grain of rice.

Another question we hear a lot at Central Park Dental Care in Auburn, AL is whether or not there are side effects to fluoride.

The answer is that like any medication, too much fluoride can cause negative complications. You can get too much fluoride by accidentally overdosing or by being prescribed a dose that’s too high. Fluoride poisoning is very rare today, though chronic overexposure may harm developing bones and teeth in small children. In fact, many children’s toothpastes don’t include fluoride.

And if you’re wondering whether or not you need to use toothpaste, the answer is that brushing your teeth twice a day is still the best way to remove plaque from your teeth and gums.

According to the ADA, it’s best to get fluoride both topically and systemically. So, you still need to use fluoride toothpaste, even if your local water is boosted by added fluoride.

So, what’s the bottom line? How much does a fluoride treatment cost and what are the benefits of fluoride?

Insurance usually covers fluoride treatments at the dentist for children. Adults, however, may pay $10 to $30 out of pocket, but you can always ask your dentist about costs before treatment.

Still, the bottom line is this: Fluoride benefits both children and adults. A large study found that children and adolescents who received fluoride treatments for one year were 43 percent less likely to have tooth decay and cavities.

The takeaway is that fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents cavities. It restores minerals to tooth enamel and prevents harmful bacteria from building up in the mouth.

Make your appointment today with Central Park Dental Care in Auburn, AL to learn more or get started with a fluoride treatment today!

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