Should You Get Fluoride Treatment at the Dentist?

What Is Fluoride Treatment?

It is a treatment protocol in preventive dentistry that helps build and maintain strong teeth. Fluoride is a natural mineral crucial for building strong teeth. It works by re-mineralizing teeth’ enamel, causing them to absorb other minerals better.

Who Needs Fluoride Treatment?

Technically, fluoride treatments benefit some patients more than others. Patients with a high risk of dental cavities and oral infections are encouraged to get fluoride treatment. It is why fluoride treatment is popular in pediatric dentistry for children between ages 6 and 14 who are highly prone to oral cavities. However, adults and older children can benefit from fluoride treatment. Some of the factors that increase your need for fluoride treatment are:

1. Smoking
2. Excessive alcohol consumption
3. Teeth grinding
4. Gum disease
5. Dry mouth syndrome
6. Poor dietary choices

What Does the Treatment Entail?

A fluoride treatment in Plano, TX, is a non-invasive preventive measure that takes a few minutes to complete. The dentist cleans your teeth to remove food residue and plaque. Afterward, (s)he applies a fluoride varnish or gel over your teeth. The varnish must remain on your teeth for about thirty minutes before you rinse it off. It allows ample contact between fluoride and your natural teeth for optimal mineral absorption.

Is Dentist Fluoride Treatment Necessary?

One of the greatest concerns for patients is, is dentist fluoride treatment necessary? While the dentist in Plano, TX, will give you as much information as necessary to ease your worries about the need for fluoride treatment, you must also be willing to consider reviews and weigh your preferences. Studies have shown that fluoride presents many benefits to your oral health. Some of them include:

1. Layering your teeth to strengthen them
2. Increasing your enamels’ resistance to bacteria that cause tooth cavities
3. Increasing teeth’ ability to absorb minerals from natural sources
4. Reducing teeth hypersensitivity to cold and hot foods
5. Rebuilding worn down or thin tooth enamel

Besides, the fluoride you obtain from other natural sources like tap water is insufficient for optimal oral health. Seeking fluoride treatment in Plano, TX, complements other fluoride sources like toothpaste, mouth rinses, and fluoride-rich foods.

How Much Does a Fluoride Treatment Cost?

If you visit us at Lutke Dental, we have flexible payment plans that make it convenient for patients to try different treatments. Further, fluoride treatment is affordable, ranging between $20 to $50. Most dental insurance plans cover the entire cost of fluoride treatment for children. However, adults may have to spend between $10 to $30 out-of-pocket. The good news is that fluoride treatment is a worthwhile investment that will spare you more expenses in the future.

Is In-Office Fluoride Treatment the Better Option?

Other than getting fluoride treatment in a dental office near you, you can choose to purchase an at-home treatment kit. It should cost between $5 to $20, depending on where you acquire it. While that alternative may look more affordable and appealing, there are benefits to having a dentist administer the treatment in a dental office. They include:

1. Better quality products – dentists use a highly concentrated rinse to administer fluoride treatment. Therefore, an in-office fluoride treatment will be more effective at strengthening your teeth.
2. High safety protocols – like with any other medication, too much fluoride can be harmful to your teeth, oral health, and general health. Dentists exercise caution when administering fluoride, enough to assure you of safety throughout and after your treatment. Besides, the dentist will consider your health history before administering treatment.
3. Dental cleaning – to optimize the effectiveness of fluoride on natural teeth, dentists begin the treatment by cleaning your teeth. It removes plaque and tartar that you may otherwise not be able to rid of before at-home fluoride treatment. Therefore, your results will not be the same as those done by a dental expert.
4. Comprehensive dental exams – before your dentist administers any treatment, (s)he evaluates your oral cavity to detect all underlying anomalies. While you may have come to the dental office for fluoride treatment, your dentist may determine that you need further dental care. This advantage upholds your oral health beyond what you can achieve with at-home fluoride treatment.