Adult fluoride treatment is a fast, one-minute, in-office dental treatment that uses a high-level fluoride gel, foam or varnish to reinforce teeth enamel and stop cavities. It is particularly helpful in adults who are at more risk of decay, such as those with dry mouth, receding gums, regular cavities, or sensitivity. Although toothpaste containing fluoride is helpful, professional fluoride treatment is much more powerful with more lasting effects.
Do you think fluoride treatment is something only kids need? You are not alone and you might be wrong.
The majority of adults believe that after the full development of teeth, fluoride is not of any importance to them. However, that is a widespread misfeasance that may silently cost you dental health. One of the least used and least appreciated preventive measures in dentistry today is the adult treatment with fluoride.
Here is a list of seven things each adult ought to understand about fluoride treatment before the next dentist visit.
We will begin with truthfulness: fluoride treatment cannot be a universal recommendation. Children who are excellent oral carriers, have low sugar levels in their diets, and have no records of having cavities may not require it during all visits.
But when any of the following are applicable to you, it may be highly suggested by your dentist-
The trick is an individualized risk evaluation, something your dentist at Clove Dental can take you through.
The term fluoride treatment can be somewhat confusing. It is practically all prevention in fact.
Fluoride works by-
There is this fact that may shock most people: you can have teeth that look perfectly clean, and at the same time be in the development stages of decay. Holes usually start at places that are difficult to notice such as between teeth, in the gum or on the back molars.
Root cavities decay that develops on exposed root surfaces but not on the enamel crown are also becoming a growing threat to adults. Root surfaces are not as hard as enamel and are more susceptible to acid attack. Fluoride therapy is particularly beneficial in safeguarding these susceptible areas.
Fluoride applications and regular checkups at the dentist will provide your dentist with the best opportunity to prevent and intervene on early decay before it turns into an expensive issue.
Professional fluoride treatment is not the magic shield to everyone at any given time, but it is more successful in the due contexts. It comes in handy especially-
Under such circumstances the high concentration fluoride varnish/gel that is used by your dentist is faster and deeper penetrating than anything that can be found over the counter.
Among the most underestimated factors of professional fluoride treatment, the time-to-benefit ratio should be mentioned. The process itself lasts about a minute to four.
Your hygienist or dentist paints fluoride in either a varnish, gel, or foam on your tooth surfaces. About 30 minutes after that, you are requested to avoid eating or drinking to allow the fluoride some time to absorb.
However, the coverage it provides is three to six months and even more. A single check-up, months of extra coverage. It is a really positive investment payoff.
The practical part is here. Fluoride treatment among children is usually included in dental insurance plans until the age of 18. In the case of adults, it differs greatly.
Part of the plans includes fluoride treatment of the high-risk adult categories. It is not covered by others at all. Before your appointment, it is also a good idea to check your particular plan or have our staff at Clove Dental check to confirm your benefits.
On its own, professional fluoride treatment can usually be found between 20-50 out of pocket, a fraction of a single filling. When framed as cavity preventive, it can easily pay off.
In moderate to high-risk adults (adults who are not at high risk), not using fluoride is not a neutral choice, it is an opportunity cost of not protecting your enamel at this stage when prevention is still possible.
Loss of enamel cannot be replaced. It cannot be regenerated in the body. Weakening of enamel in its early stages can be reversed by fluoride, but a fully developed cavity needs to be drilled and filled, which is more invasive, more costly, and in some cases marks the start of a new cycle of dental treatment.
The cost of not taking time or money to treat fluoride may cost a lot more of both.
Yes, almost certainly, as advised by your dentist. The suggestion is not standard checkbox action. It is based on your specific risk profile, your dental history, and what your dentist sees at your visit.
In case you are not sure whether you should be treated with fluoride, simply ask your dentist: Am I more prone to getting cavities? The response will assist you in making a well-informed choice as opposed to a knee-jerk.
It is easy and painless. This is what to expect with Clove Dental-
That is it. Easy, fast and clinically tested to cut down cavity risk by up to 30-40 percent in at-risk adults.
Fluoride is not a childhood-only conversation. As a fully grown person, when you want to maintain your natural teeth healthy and not waste money on the unnecessary dental treatment, fluoride treatment should be included in your preventive health care program.
We evaluate patients one-on-one at Clove Dental, and only prescribe fluoride when it would truly benefit your treatment. You can have a question on your cavity risk or you can know whether or not fluoride suits you, make a visit to us and book a visit at clovedds.com. The best place to start your strongest defense against cavities begins with the right information and the right team.
Is fluoride treatment worth it for adults with no cavities?
Yes. The treatment of fluoride averts the unformed cavities. Being cavity-free today does not guarantee cavity-resistant forever especially when your enamel begins to thin or gums have receded.
How do I know if I’m “high risk”?
Risk is assessed by your dentist depending upon your cavity history, diet, medications, saliva levels, gum health and oral hygiene habits. In case you are exposed to two or more risk factors, then chances are that you are at moderate-high risk.
Does fluoride treatment help with sensitivity immediately?
It may desensitize with time by obstructing the small dentinal tubules which carry pain signals to the nerve. Other patients feel better in a matter of days; others, in a matter of weeks of regular protection.
Can I skip it if I use fluoride toothpaste?
Toothpaste that is made of fluoride has around 1,000-1,500 ppm of fluoride. Formulations of professional fluoride treatment are between 5,000 and 22,600 ppm. There is no trifling difference in concentration and protective depth, the two do not interchange, but are complementary.