Fluoride Treatments In Sparks

The Benefits Of Dental Fluoride Treatment For Children And Adults

For both children and adults, fluoride treatment ultimately leads to a reduced number of cavities.

In fact, fluoridation has been shown to reduce cavities by a whopping 25% in children and adolescents. The Centers for Disease Control even heralds adding fluoride to water as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.

Fewer cavities mean time, pain, and money saved down the road, as well as overall increased oral health. Especially if you don’t have fluoride added to your water (for example, if the source of your home’s water is a well) or if you are taking medication that effects saliva production, professional fluoride treatments can strengthen and protect both adult and children’s teeth.

Who Should Receive Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments can be helpful for nearly everyone who cares about good oral health. However, some people are particularly at risk and may benefit more than others.

People without fluoride added to their water, people who have frequent cavities, and people who take medication that affects saliva production should have regular fluoride treatments.

Others that may benefit include people with a high sugar or carbohydrate diet, have certain dental issues that cause the gums to recede, or have other conditions that increase cavity risk.

Fluoride treatment is especially important for children with developing teeth. Children often do not yet have the oral health skills of adults, and fluoride treatments can help mitigate these risks for growing adult teeth.

What Happens During A Professional Fluoride Treatment?

Professional fluoride treatment is very easy. They are generally done at your regularly scheduled checkup and cleaning and take only a few minutes, although you can schedule a standalone fluoride treatment if you wish.

During the procedure, your dentist will fill a tray with foam and place it on your teeth or rub a fluoride gel or varnish onto your teeth with a tool similar to a cotton swab. And that’s it. You’ll wait a little while before rinsing it off.

You will also need to wait about an hour before eating or drinking again, but your dentist will give you exact instructions at your appointment.

How Often Are Fluoride Treatments Recommended?

How often fluoride treatments are recommended depends on your unique oral situation.  Most people benefit from fluoride treatments every six months, usually along with your regularly scheduled dental cleaning.

Others may need fluoride treatments more or less often, especially depending on age, cavity frequency, overall medical issues, and more.

Fluoride Myths vs. Facts

In the past, fluoride has been unscientifically criticized and has been the target of misinformation. Decades of scientific research have proven fluoride to be not only effective at preventing cavities, but safe both in drinking water and in professional fluoride treatments.

Every major dental and health organization, including the CDC, ADA, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has deemed fluoride safe and healthy to use, including for children.

Schedule An Appointment For Fluoride Treatments At Absolute Dental In Sparks

Preventing cavities before they start is always better than dealing with them later. Aside from regular brushing and flossing, fluoride treatment as part of your regular checkups and cleaning is perhaps the best way of keeping them at bay.

Schedule an appointment with Absolute Dental in Sparks to get your fluoride treatment today. We happily serve the entire family, and our patient-centered approach to treatment means your needs are paramount.