Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps in building stronger teeth and bones. It has been a very important component of most dental treatments for ages because of its ability to prevent dental caries or cavities. Most of the water we drink and toothpaste we use contain some percentage of fluoride to help fight cavities and build stronger bones. However, the percentage of fluoride in water or toothpaste has to be just enough because of too much of it, and you have the reverse effect of fluoride, which is weakened teeth and bones.
Because of its benefits to dental health, fluoride treatments have become more common than ever. Dentists the world over recommend and administer fluoride treatments to patients who they feel need a boost in their fluoride supply. The fluoride applied at the dentist’s office is, however, very highly concentrated and can only be administered by a professional. Contact our dentist at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic, who specializes in fluoride treatments, to recommend the best treatment for you.
Fluoride treatment
A fluoride treatment is a very simple procedure that only involves the application of the concentrated fluoride on the surface of the teeth using a brush, swab, or tray. It can also be administered as a mouthwash for you to swish in your mouth. The dentist may ask you not to eat or drink anything until after 30 minutes after the fluoride treatment to let the fluoride set in on your teeth surface. Depending on your diagnosis or oral health, the dentist may recommend periodic fluoride treatments to keep cavities at bay. Contact Carrum Downs Dental Clinic today to find out if you may need a fluoride treatment.
Benefits of fluoride treatment
Fluoride in the right amounts can help prevent cavities in both children and adults. Studies have shown that children exposed to fluoride treatment at an early age are less likely to get cavities than children who have not been exposed to fluoride treatment. Likewise, adults who have had more exposure to fluoride have a lower risk of getting cavities than those who have not. Fluoride treatment may help to remineralise teeth where bacteria have started to eat away the enamel surface. While the tooth may not fully remineralise, the fluoride treatment will help form a stronger barrier on the surface of the tooth and prevent further decay into the inner layers of the tooth.
Side effects of Fluoride treatment
While the benefits of fluoride treatment are apparent, overexposure to fluoride can also have some side effects. Too much fluoride in the system can have adverse effects, especially on developing children, and that is why children’s toothpaste do not contain any fluoride. Below are some of the side effects of fluoride treatment:
- White spots on teeth
- Dental fluorosis in extreme cases characterized by staining and pitting on teeth surfaces
- Bone homeostasis problems
- High bone density but weak bones
Other side effects can arise from overdosing on fluoride supplements, and they include
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Sweating
- Fatigue and
- Diarrhea
Conclusion
Get your professional fluoride treatment at Carrum Downs Dental today to help you prevent cavities. Our dentist will recommend the best form of fluoride treatment for you to avoid any fluoride side effects.
Related Posts
A Few Things to Know About Fluoride Treatment
Do Floss and Fluoride Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
