How Often Should You Get Complete Fluoride Treatment?

A complete fluoride treatment is a dental procedure that involves the application of a high fluoride concentration to teeth. The process aims at preventing tooth decay, cleaning areas around your teeth that are difficult to clean, and fighting harmful bacteria that affect your teeth. The fluoride is applied to teeth and then rinsed off after several minutes. However, it is noteworthy that although a fluoride treatment helps prevent tooth decay, there are other alternatives to good oral hygiene practices, like regular brushing of teeth and dental checkups.

About Fluoride Treatment, the Procedure of it

A fluoride treatment procedure is quick and painless. Mostly, it only takes one trip to the dentist to complete the treatment. However, the duration of the treatment depends on several factors, such as the patient’s specific needs and the type of fluoride used for treatment.

Generally, a fluoride treatment involves the following steps:

1. Cleaning the Teeth: cleaning the teeth is the first step in fluoride treatment. Your dentist in Richmond Hill, NY, cleans your teeth to remove plaque and debris buildup before applying the fluoride.
2. Preparation of Fluoride: The dentist prepares the fluoride for application to your teeth. The fluoride can be applied in several forms, like foam, gel, or varnish, depending on your preferences.
3. Fluoride Application: The dentist then applies the fluoride to your teeth using a swab tray, brush, or mouth rinse. The dentist then lets the fluoride sit for several minutes to get absorbed into your teeth’s enamel.
4. Rinsing the Mouth: After the fluoride has been absorbed into your teeth’s enamel, you rinse your mouth using water. It is best not to swallow the solution as it can cause a stomach upset.
5. Post-treatment Care: After your treatment, your dentist advises you to avoid eating for at least half an hour after your treatment to allow the fluoride to penetrate your enamel. Your dentist will also recommend some aftercare tips like regular brushing and flossing.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Getting fluoride treatment has several benefits for your oral health, including the following:

• Strengthens the enamel of your teeth and prevents tooth decay
• Reduces teeth sensitivity and prevents exposure to irritants
• Promotes remineralization that may have weakened as a result of acid erosion
• It’s a safe, quick, and effective way of improving one’s oral health
• It’s a cost-effective way of preventing tooth decay
• It is friendly to patients of all ages

What To Expect After Fluoride Treatment

Sometimes, it is common to experience discomfort after fluoride treatment in Richmond Hill, NY. Nevertheless, you may need to visit a dentist if the pain persists and you have symptoms like tooth sensitivity. Some temporary changes you can experience in your mouth after your fluoride treatment include the following:

• A temporary gritty sensation in your mouth that goes away after brushing
• A fleeting mild tingly feeling which lasts for a few hours
• Avoid brushing your teeth for a few minutes after the treatment to allow the fluoride to get absorbed into the teeth.
• Follow-up care tips from your dentist to help prevent tooth decay. The recommendations include fluoride treatments, good oral hygiene practices, and a change of diet.
• Nausea that may last up to 24 hours if you swallow the fluoride accidentally
• No smoking for 30 minutes to an hour after fluoride treatment

Who Needs a Complete Fluoride Treatment?

Anyone can get a complete fluoride treatment, but your dentist near you may recommend it for the following:

• People at a high risk of getting tooth decay, like smokers and children
• Patients with dental problems
• People who experience a problem in cleaning teeth due to braces and sensitivity

Conclusion

How often you should get a complete fluoride treatment depends on the patient. Sometimes the dentist may recommend getting a fluoride treatment after 3,6, or 12 months. It also depends on your oral health. Patients with dental problems like cavities may require a fluoride rinse or gel for regular use at home. Getting a complete fluoride treatment at the Caring Dentistry of Queens  has numerous advantages, like preventing tooth decay and strengthening your enamel. After your fluoride treatment, expect some reactions like a gritty feeling and tingling sensation on your teeth. Your dentist will advise you to avoid consuming anything for about 30 minutes to an hour after the treatment to allow the fluoride to sit in your teeth’s enamel.