Studies have shown that fluoride treatments provide many benefits in dentistry. Our fluoride treatments in Winnipeg reduce tooth sensitivity, re-mineralize small cavities, and hardens the enamel of your teeth for reducing the risk of developing tooth decay.
In this blog, our dentist in Winnipeg will explain everything you should know about fluoride treatments.
Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dentist near you every six months to prevent oral diseases. In these checkups, your dental professional will monitor your oral health and apply preventative treatments; among these, you may find dental sealants, radiographs, and fluoride applications.
The importance of Fluoride Treatments
When you don’t brush your dentition, bacteria accumulate and harm it. Our professionals recommend looking for fluoride treatment near you because it strengthens the enamel (the outer layer), and it becomes harder for bacteria to infect.
What to Expect from Fluoride Applications?
Your doctor will apply it at the end of your checkup. First, they will use a small mirror and an explorer to check on your gums and teeth. Then, they will take a set of x-rays to ensure the lack of cavities between teeth (which are not visible to the naked eye).
If you have dental plaque or tartar buildup, they may perform teeth cleaning and, at the end of it, add fluoride to each one of your teeth.
In a dental office, there are two common ways to apply fluoride:
1. Plastic trays – Using a pair of these, they will add fluoride gel and place them inside your mouth. You will bite down for a minute until the product absorbs.
2. Fluoride varnish – They will use a brush and paint each tooth with fluoride varnish.
Afterward, you cannot eat or drink anything, not even water, for an hour.
We recommend always asking the patient if they are thirsty before the application not to keep the man hour like this.
How Much Do Fluoride Treatments Cost?
Among dental procedures, it is one of the least expensive. The Price may vary between $10 and $50 per application.
You may ask your insurance provider if they offer coverage for fluoride treatments.
How Often Should I Get a Fluoride Treatment?
Dental checkups are usually every six months, and in them, your doctor applies fluoride. However, if you are a high-risk patient, your dentist may suggest more frequent applications, for example, every three months.
Among high-risk patients, you can find children with a high risk of cavities, patients with enamel hypo mineralization, dry mouth, or an eating disorder.
Enamel hypo mineralization is when the mineralization process does not complete perfectly, resulting in weaker enamel. It is becoming usual among children.
Fluoride Toothpaste
There is always confusion about the dose and amount of fluoride in toothpaste. Your doctor will advise the best concentration according to your lifestyle and age.
Patients over six years old should use toothpaste with 1450 PPM fluoride. Individuals under this age may use 1000 PPM; however, there are exceptions. Your doctor will evaluate the case individually.
Regarding the amount, children younger than one year should use half of a grain of rice. For children from 1 and 3 years, a grain of rice. Three and older, a pea-size amount.
Brush your teeth!
And, of course, brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. We recommend parents supervise the brushing until their children are eight years old since, before this age, they don’t have the skills to brush correctly.
Combining the brushing with fluoride toothpaste plus visiting your dentist every six months will ensure a healthy smile!