Fluoride treatment is the most common treatment that dentists prefer for preventive treatment of cavities. Tooth enamel is the outer protective layer that protects the teeth. Fluoride protects the enamel and fights bacteria. Dentist in Sunshine prescribes fluoride treatments for patients who are at high risk of developing caries or cavities.
Cavities occur when bacteria develop on teeth and gums and form a sticky layer of plaque. Plaque can prove to be very harmful as they erode the enamel layer and infect the dentin, which is the core of the teeth. Read on to know the benefits and side effects of fluoride treatment, who should get it done, and the procedure followed by the dentist in Sunshine for the fluoride treatment.
The procedure of Professional Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural mineral that rebuilds the tooth enamel and reverses the early sign of tooth decay. Fluoride can be administered both systemically and topically. Systemic fluoride is administered orally through water and dietary supplements and topically via toothpaste, swab, brush trays or mouthwash. The in-office dental treatments are more concentrated, take just a few minutes to apply, and the dentist might ask you to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after the cure for the fluoride to absorb.
Frequency of Fluoride Treatment
The dentist will recommend the usage of fluoride depending on the dental condition. In addition to the in-office fluoride treatment, the dentist may prescribe fluoride rinse or gel to use regularly at home. The elements that increase the risk of cavities are excessive drug or alcohol use, eating disorders, poor oral care, poor diet, dry mouth, and weak enamel. The natural source of fluoride is tea, water, fish and many more. In addition, instant formula fed to kids is fortified with fluoride.
Fluoride Treatment for Children
For children, they must brush their teeth under adult supervision. Give children a fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth and ensure that the children spit out the paste. However, the quantity of paste should depend on their age:
- Under 3-year-old: The toothpaste should cover less than half the bristles and be no bigger than a grain of rice.
- 3-6 Year Old’s: The Fluoride toothpaste should not be more than the size of a pea.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride helps restore minerals on the tooth surface which could have been eroded from the tooth surface. Fluoride restricts the growth of bacteria and prevents cavities. Once decay sets in, fluoride may not remove decay; it can restrict decay from causing further damage and penetrating deeper. Fluoride is very effective in preventing dental cavities in children
Side Effects of Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments like any other medication could have negative implications if taken in excessive proportions. Chronic fluoride exposure could negatively impact the developing bones of the children. White specks, staining and pitting on teeth, very dense bones that aren’t very strong. Additionally, excessive fluoride creates problems with bone homeostasis. Furthermore, an overdose of systemic fluoride could lead to nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, and excessive sweating.
Conclusion
Fluoride effectively prevents cavities, restoring minerals on the tooth enamel and preventing bacteria from developing in the mouth. However, fluoride overdose could have negative implications.
