Fluoride Treatments in Portland ME
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Caring for your oral health is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental exams aren’t enough to protect many people from developing harmful tooth decay. Because of this, it can be helpful to take extra precautions in keeping your teeth healthy and strong. At Thrive Dental Studio, we can help you keep your smile in tip-top shape with a professional fluoride treatment. Here’s what you should know about how a fluoride treatment could benefit you before scheduling your appointment with Dr. Figueiredo and his friendly team.
What is a Fluoride Teeth Treatment?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally and is released from rocks into the soil, water, and air. Almost all water contains some fluoride, but usually not enough to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can also be added to drinking water supplies as a public health measure for reducing cavities. Decisions about adding fluoride to drinking water are made at the state or local level.
If you, or a family member, are at a moderate to high risk of developing caries, a professional fluoride teeth treatment can help. The fluoride used in the dental office is a much stronger concentration than in ordinary toothpastes or fluoride mouth rinses available in a store or at a pharmacy.
Fluoride Treatment at the Dentist
Fluoride treatments are fast, pain-free, and can easily be performed during your routine dental check-up. They generally take just a few minutes, depending on the needs of your mouth. The fluoride may be in the form of a solution, gel, foam or varnish. Typically, it is applied with a cotton swab or brush, used as a rinse, or placed in a tray that is held in your mouth for several minutes. Here’s what will take place during your fluoride treatment:
- Dr. Figueiredo will carefully apply the fluoride solution to your teeth.
- After the fluoride has been placed on your teeth, it must stay there for a few minutes to let your teeth absorb it.
- When your treatment is complete, you should avoid eating or drinking for thirty minutes to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride and repair microscopic carious areas.
Are Fluoride Treatments Safe?
Dentists have used in-office fluoride treatments for decades to help protect the oral health of children and adults, especially patients who may be at a higher risk of developing caries. No studies have shown negative effects from proper in office fluoride treatments. Additionally, there are no side effects beyond a sticky feeling and temporary altered taste while the product is on your teeth.
Who Should Get Fluoride Treatments?
Anyone at moderate to high risk of developing caries could benefit from a professional fluoride treatment. Some factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing caries include the following:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Active caries
- Eating disorders
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Lack of regular professional dental care
- Active orthodontic treatment combined with poor oral hygiene
- High levels of caries-causing bacteria in the mouth
- Exposed root surfaces of teeth
- Decreased salivary flow, resulting in dry mouth
- Poor diet
- Existing restorations (fillings)
- Tooth enamel defects
- Undergoing head and neck radiation therapy
Fluoride Treatment Cost
The cost of your fluoride treatment will depend on your dental insurance plan. To learn more about what your dental insurance plan covers, please contact our dental office.
Fluoride Treatment Dentist in Portland, ME
Keeping your smile healthy and beautiful doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a professional fluoride treatment from Thrive Dental Studio, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your teeth in great condition for years to come. Contact us for more information on how a fluoride treatment could improve your oral health or to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Figueiredo and his trusted team; call us today!