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Despite the fact that fluoride is naturally present in water and many foods, most American children still don’t receive enough of it. Unfortunately, this can have devastating consequences on their developing teeth. Without enough fluoride, your kids are at a greater risk of developing tooth decay at an early age. At Smiles of Naperville, our dentists recommend fluoride treatments twice annually at your child’s routine cleaning and check-up. This can start as early as six month before any teeth have erupted. Ideally, all children should receive regular fluoride treatments until they are 16 years old.
Understanding the Process
If you never received this dental service growing up, you probably wonder, “What is fluoride treatment?” Many people mistakenly believe that the only way to get a fluoride treatment is for a dentist to paint the substance on the teeth. While this is the most common type of professional treatment, several other methods exist as well. Some of these include foam, varnish, and oral drops. You or your child can also receive additional fluoride by purchasing toothpaste or mouthwash with the substance added to it.
When Might an Adult Need a Fluoride Treatment?
Certain dental conditions or lifestyle habits among adults make them good candidates for this procedure. Your dentist at Smiles of Naperville may recommend a professional or at-home treatment in the following circumstances:
- Your oral hygiene practices are not up to par
- You have recently diagnosed dental cavities
- Your diet contains a large amount of sugar or carbohydrates
- Root exposure
- Deep pits or fissures on your teeth make them difficult to clean
These are just a handful of examples of when you might benefit from a fluoride treatment. If you’re ever concerned about the strength or health of your teeth, please speak to your dentist about treatment options. If you opt to receive fluoride, it will make your teeth stronger and provide additional protection against cavities and decay. This is especially important as you age and face a higher risk of losing teeth to dental disease.
