Fluoride is a mineral that can help restore tooth surfaces where bacteria may have eroded enamel, inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria, and prevent tooth decay. It can also reduce tooth sensitivity, making dental cleaning more comfortable for those who suffer from it. Professional fluoride treatments are available to provide these benefits and more. Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent, delay, or stop the progression of tooth decay.
It is made with fluoride and applied to the surface of the tooth enamel with a swab or brush. This treatment can be especially beneficial for children who are just starting to get their teeth, as it can strengthen developing enamel and make it more resistant to decay. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends professional fluoride treatment at the dentist's office every three, six, or 12 months, depending on your oral health. If your child goes to the dentist at a young age, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a fluoride varnish can be applied in a dental office instead.
Fluoride treatment is repeated at least three or four times a year for it to be effective. While there are no scientific studies to indicate that people who drink bottled water are at greater risk of tooth decay, the ADA states that these people may be overlooking the cavity-preventive effects of optimal fluoridated water available in their community's water sources. As long as fluoride is used as directed by your dental and medical professionals, the risk is minimal. If too much fluoride is ingested (such as if a child swallows a tube of prescription fluoride toothpaste), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are likely.
Professional fluoride treatments can provide many benefits for your oral health. They can help prevent tooth decay, delay it, or prevent it from getting worse. They can also make dental cleaning much more comfortable for people who suffer from tooth sensitivity. New research indicates that topical fluoride (from toothpastes, mouthwashes, and fluoride treatments) is as important for fighting tooth decay as it is for strengthening developing teeth.
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