Fluoride Treatment
Covington, WA
Fluoride Treatment provided by Kyle S. Blair, DDS
in Covington, WA at Covington Family Dental
 Strong teeth are pivotal to good oral health. A fail-proof way to build strong teeth is by brushing with fluoride toothpaste. When applied appropriately, fluoride can help fortify tooth enamel. Proper application reduces the likelihood of tooth decay. It also decimates disease-causing bacteria that can harm the teeth and gums. However, commercial oral products like toothpaste and mouthwash might not have sufficient fluoride to replenish tooth enamel. Here is where the essence of fluoride treatment comes into play. Fluoride treatment involves applying high fluoride concentrations to reverse the effects of early decay and restore tooth enamel. Visit Covington Family Dental for an expert fluoride treatment in Covington, WA.
What Is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment is an in-office dental procedure that entails applying high fluoride concentrations to teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. It makes tooth enamel resistant to bacterial attacks, reducing the likelihood of developing cavities. It comes as gel, varnish, or foam applied to the tooth surface.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment has numerous benefits. First, it replenishes lost phosphate and calcium, making the teeth more resistant to early decay. It can help reverse cavities by repairing weak tooth enamel. It destroys harmful bacteria, preventing premature tooth loss and ensuring good oral health.
By preventing tooth decay, fluoride treatment delays the need for additional dental restorations. It also reduces the need for frequent dental visits. Patients with tooth pain can find relief through fluoride treatments. Most importantly, fluoride treatment is safe for kids and can help prevent cavities in baby teeth. Early exposure to fluoride reduces the likelihood of tooth decay.
How Does Fluoride Treatment Work?
Fluoride treatment works by remineralizing tooth enamel. It rebuilds the tooth surface where bacterial organisms have started eating it away by preventing acid reactions in the mouth.
Enamel is the white protective layer of your teeth. It protects the dentin and tooth pulp from chemical damage. It contains several minerals, including calcium phosphate, fluoride, and magnesium.
While enamel is the hardest part of the tooth, it degrades gradually from acidic reactions. Bacteria can combine with food particles, releasing acids that erode the tooth surface. Excess demineralization causes tooth decay. You can stop and reverse enamel degradation through fluoride treatment in our dental office in Covington, WA.
Who Can Benefit from Fluoride Treatment?
Anyone can benefit from this oral treatment, including children six months and above. However, this dental solution is most helpful for people with a greater risk of oral decay. Patients with gum disease or dry mouth should consider fluoride treatment to help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions.
Patients with orthodontic brackets, braces, and bridges will likely develop cavities. These restorative solutions might harbor bacteria that cause tooth decay. For this reason, fluoride treatment can help kill disease-causing bacteria.
The Fluoride Treatment Process
Fluoride treatment usually requires one visit, and it takes less than an hour to complete the procedure. After a thorough oral exam, our dentist may recommend dental cleaning before commencing with the fluoride treatment.
Once done, we will apply high doses of fluoride to your teeth using a brush or cotton swab. The appropriate fluoride for your teeth may be in gel, varnish, or foam. After fluoride application, we recommend you wait for 30 minutes or more without drinking or eating anything to allow your teeth to absorb the mineral.
Aftercare and Tips for Effective Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment has no downtime. Patients can resume their regular schedule without issues after receiving treatment. However, fluoride treatment patients should avoid brushing and flossing for up to six hours. Brushing will remove the applied fluoride, making the treatment counterproductive.
Avoid using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash for at least three days to prevent a chemical reaction with the treatment and reduce the likelihood of dental fluorosis (teeth staining). Moreover, refrain from smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol since these substances are detrimental to your oral and overall health.
The foods you eat after fluoride treatment also matter. We recommend you avoid hot and spicy foods and beverages. Refrain from acidic meals to avoid degrading tooth enamel. Select soft foods and drink room-temperature water to prevent staining and ensure desirable results.
Common FAQs about Fluoride Treatment
While fluoride treatment is not a new dental solution, patients might be unaware of its benefits. Here are some of the most common questions asked about fluoride treatment.
Is fluoride treatment safe for children?
Fluoride treatment is highly safe for your little one. It can help protect baby teeth from cavities and tooth decay. However, excess fluoride can be detrimental to children. They might swallow the product, leading to stomach upset. Too much fluoride can also cause dental fluorosis in children. Our dentist has adequate experience to know how much fluoride to apply to the teeth of children.
How often should I get fluoride treatments?
The frequency of fluoride treatments depends on your unique oral needs. Patients can get fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months. Those with weakened enamel might require more visits to reduce the likelihood of tooth decay and cavities.
Can fluoride treatment help with tooth sensitivity?
Fluoride treatment can help with tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth develop after the degradation of tooth enamel. Eroded enamel exposes the dentin and dental pulp, leading to sensitivity. Applying high doses of fluoride to the affected teeth can remineralize the tooth enamel, reducing tooth sensitivity.
Does fluoride treatment interfere with dental restorations like dental implants?
Fluoride treatment cannot interfere with dental implants or other dental restorations. Tooth implants are sturdy and can endure fluoride application. Moreover, our dentist will target the affected teeth with the treatment to avoid other oral issues.
Is fluoride treatment covered by dental insurance?
Dental insurance might or might not cover fluoride treatment. It all depends on your insurer. Some insurance companies have policies for all dental treatments. Patients must confirm with their insurance provider when planning to undergo treatment.
Enhance Your Dental Health with Fluoride Treatment in Covington, WA
Restore your smile and prevent possible tooth decay with expert fluoride treatment in Covington, WA. Contact Covington Family Dental at 253.499.6155 to schedule a preliminary meeting with our dentist. |
