How Often Should You Receive Fluoride Treatment at the Dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that professional fluoride treatments be administered at the dentist's office every three, six, or twelve months, depending on the individual's oral health. When it comes to the best professional topical fluoride application, using a 5% NaF varnish is the way to go for full coverage of exposed root surfaces. This type of fluoride varnish has been approved by the FDA as a desensitizing agent and has been proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay. According to the ADA report on topical fluorides, a 5% NaF varnish should be applied every three to six months for patients at high risk of dental decay.

Your dentist will use their professional judgment to determine if applications every three or six months will work best for the patient, based on their frequency of new care, risk status for tooth decay, and symptoms of dentine hypersensitivity. Additionally, if you've had a professional dental cleaning, you've likely already received fluoride treatment. Speak with your dental provider during your six-month checkup to find out how often you should receive fluoride treatment. For fluoride treatment to be effective, it must be repeated at least three or four times a year.

If you have had an eating disorder, used drugs or alcohol in excess, have poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, weak enamel, or haven't received professional dental care in the past, you may need fluoride treatment more often.