Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride Treatments in Independence, KY

Regardless of age, if you don’t practice proper hygiene, you will develop cavities. Using fluoride toothpaste can go a long way in protecting your teeth. However, for optimal oral health, fluoride treatments are an ideal option. This dental treatment is usually done during your routine dental checkup at the dental office.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is found in drinking water, and using small amounts of fluoride regularly can decrease your risk of tooth decay. Many dental products contain fluoride to help increase the amount of fluoride to continue to prevent tooth decay. When you eat or drink, the bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars and starches and release acids that erode the protective layer of the teeth, known as the enamel. 

When the enamel breaks down, tooth decay, or cavities, can occur. Fluoride penetrates the enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to acid attacks, and it can even reverse very early tooth decay. It also promotes remineralization, a process where minerals are redeposited into the enamel after the acids strip them away (demineralization).

What is a Fluoride Treatment at the Dentist?

Although most people receive fluoride from food, water, and toothpaste, sometimes it’s not enough to help prevent decay. That’s why we recommend professional fluoride treatment at the Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry – these treatments have much more fluoride than what’s in your water or toothpaste and, therefore, are much more effective at protecting your teeth. Professional fluoride treatments come in the form of a highly concentrated rinse, foam, gel, or varnish and can be applied with a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash.

What are the Benefits of a Fluoride Treatment?

In the same way that professional cleaning is more effective than your everyday teeth brushing session, a fluoride gel treatment works longer and more efficiently than anything you might use at home. They are quick, painless, and low-cost in most cases. Professional fluoride treatment has several benefits, including:

  • Reduces the risk of cavities

  • Slows the growth of cavities

  • Delays the need for expensive dental work

  • Prolongs the life of baby teeth

  • Reduces the amount of time and money a person has to spend on dental treatments

Professional Fluoride Treatment Process

Fluoride treatment application is a fairly quick and painless process that usually only takes less than a minute. The treatment is directly applied to the surface of each tooth following your dental cleaning. With new fluoride varnishes, you can eat or drink immediately after it is applied- no more waiting!

We recommend that you abstain from chewing crunchy foods or brushing your teeth for at least 4 hours after your fluoride treatment to ensure the fluoride penetrates the tooth effectively.

Who Should Get Fluoride Treatments?

Although fluoride gel treatments are typically administered to children, adults can also benefit from this service. At Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide: 

  • Fluoride treatments for kids: Fluoride joins into the tooth structure when teeth are developing to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, making them less vulnerable to bacteria and cavities for life and slowing or even reversing the development of cavities by harming bacteria that cause them. In younger children who still have their baby teeth, fluoride gets incorporated into their developing permanent teeth. When permanent teeth erupt, they’re less prone to cavities.

  • Fluoride treatments for adults: Adults, especially those at moderate-to-high risk of developing tooth decay, also benefit from fluoride treatment. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor oral hygiene, chronic dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, weak enamel, and poor diet can increase your risk of cavities. Experts recommend that adults at high risk of cavities get professional fluoride treatments twice a year.

Professional Fluoride Treatment Cost

Insurance usually covers fluoride treatments for children. However, adults with dental insurance will usually only have a portion of their fluoride treatment covered by their insurance company. While it may sound discouraging, the cost of fluoride treatment is nominal compared to the costs associated with tooth decay, including composite fillings or even root canals.

Schedule Your Fluoride Treatment Appointment Today! 

Undergoing routine fluoride treatments at the Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and practicing good dental hygiene at home are the best ways to protect your smile. Contact u to schedule your appointment and let us protect you and your family against cavities!