Who Needs a Fluoride Treatment?

You might remember getting fluoride treatments in school or at your regular dental checkup, but did you know that you can still benefit from supplemental fluoride as an adult?

Here at Allure Dental in Hollywood, Florida, our team of skilled dentists offer routine fluoride treatments as part of our pediatric dentistry services. We also provide fluoride treatments for adults during your regular dental checkup and cleaning.

What to know about fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that builds strong teeth and supports healthy tooth enamel. The mineral also fights cavities by preventing bacteria from penetrating the deeper part of your teeth. These bacteria can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.

If you’re not getting enough fluoride in your toothpaste or the water you drink, you may be at increased risk for oral health issues, like dental decay and gum inflammation.

The recommended daily amount of fluoride varies depends on your age and overall health:

• Birth to 3 years of age: 0.1 to 1.5 mg
• 4-6 years of age: 1 to 2.5 mg
• 7-10 years of age: 1.5 to 2.5 mg
• Older children and adults: 1.5 to 4 mg

If you’re not getting enough fluoride, you may need supplemental fluoride treatments to protect your teeth from damage.

When to consider professional fluoride treatments

You should schedule regular dental checkups at Allure Dental to keep on track with your oral health every six months. Our providers can determine if you need extra fluoride based on your unique needs.

If you’re at increased risk for cavities because of your health, diet, or lifestyle, they may recommend regular fluoride treatments. Factors that can increase your risk for tooth decay and cavities include:

• Dry mouth
• Weak enamel
• Unhealthy diet
• Poor oral hygiene
• Drug or alcohol use

It’s also important to note that too much fluoride can damage your teeth, so always speak with our dentists about your needs before trying to treat yourself. This is especially true if you’re giving your child extra fluoride. Very young children can experience serious side effects, including premature death, from a fluoride overdose.

For this reason, you should schedule a consultation with our providers to discuss professional fluoride treatments.

What to expect during a fluoride treatment

The fluoride treatments available at Allure Dental don’t take long to complete. Our dental team applies a highly concentrated foam, gel, or varnish to your teeth.

These treatments contain much more fluoride that you get from toothpaste or water. To receive full benefit from your treatment, you should avoid drinking or eating anything for at least 30 minutes. This allows your teeth time to absorb the fluoride.

We can also recommend fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain sufficient fluoride. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and after meals to further reduce your risk for cavities and other oral health problems.

To schedule a dental checkup and fluoride consultation, call Allure Dental in Hollywood, Florida, today, or use the easy online booking feature to make an appointment any time.