Fluoride Treatment in Spring, TX

As a substance that is naturally found in some foods, water, and soil, fluoride can be beneficial in strengthening your bones and teeth in order to further protect against instances of tooth decay. Medical groups, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Medical Association (AMA), have said that there are substantial positive effects relating fluoride to enhanced tooth health.

At Made Ya Smile Rayford, our skilled dentist and team provide in-office and at-home supplemental fluoride treatments like fluoride paste and fluoride varnish during biannual dental cleaning appointments. Though it is most often used for young children, fluoride can be beneficial for all patients who may be at a higher risk of tooth decay or drink water without fluoride. To learn more about fluoride treatments, we invite you to contact our Spring, TX facility to schedule a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning.

Fluoride is most often recommended for younger patients with developing teeth or patients who are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay. This might include adult patients with exposed root surfaces due to gum recession or those who have a history of tooth decay. Patients of all ages can benefit from the use of fluoride. If you do not have access to fluoridated drinking water, we may recommend fluoride paste or fluoride varnish as a part of a supplemental home-care program. It's possible to re-mineralize early carious lesions or incipient decay with professional and at-home fluoride treatments, which can minimize the need for fillings or other solutions. There are easy, comfortable in-office fluoride treatments at Made Ya Smile for your convenience. They come in varnish, gel, and foam forms, and you can pick your favorite flavor. Our dentist may also recommend prescription-strength fluoridated toothpaste for certain patients who may benefit from extra fluoride.

Fluoride treatments in our office may be given once or twice a year during your dental cleaning and exam, depending on your needs. After your cleaning, we will apply your fluoride treatment with a paint-on varnish or a mouth tray containing fluoride paste, gel, or foam. Fluoride varnish is painted over the enamel surfaces, and the fluoride is carried into the pits and grooves and between the teeth via your saliva. With a gel or foam fluoride treatment, the mouth trays will be filled and placed in your mouth, keeping the fluoride in contact with your teeth for 1 – 4 minutes. Following the treatment, we suction the fluoride out of the mouth and provide post-treatment instructions.

You should stay away from food and drink for approximately 30 minutes following your fluoride treatment. When fluoride varnish is used during your cleaning, it's best to avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods for the next several hours. It's important for the fluoride to keep contact with the teeth long enough to be absorbed by your tooth enamel. Swallowing fluoride should be avoided, as it can cause an upset stomach and be harmful for children. It's important for parents to supervise the use of at-home fluoridated toothpaste or supplements provided as prescriptions or over-the-counter treatments for your children. As a preventive treatment, fluoride treatments can boost oral health, but it's important to maintain regular brushing and flossing habits and come in bi-annually for your routine cleaning visits. This will help keep your smile healthy and happy throughout your lifetime.

Children often are covered by dental insurance plans for a yearly professional fluoride treatment. The friendly team at Made Ya Smile will look into your benefits for your whole family to see if there are any out-of-pocket costs. Our business team will work on your behalf to file your claim and we can help you learn about our range of flexible payment options if you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover fluoride treatments.

Are fluoride treatments safe for your health?es, fluoride treatments are generally very safe when given by an experienced doctor and can help patients strengthen their teeth while reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Overexposure to fluoride, whether from overtreatment or environmental factors, can lead to fluorosis, which can discolor the teeth.

Can children get fluoride treatments?
Yes, they can. It is recommended that as soon as children get their first teeth, they should have fluoride treatments to help them build strong teeth and reduce the risks of tooth decay.

How often should I have a fluoride treatment?
Most patients should get a fluoride treatment every 6 or 12 months, according to the ADA (American Dental Association).

Will I have to wait to eat or drink after a fluoride treatment?
We recommend that patients wait at least 30 minutes to eat or drink anything after a fluoride treatment to allow their teeth to absorb the fluoride.

Our dentist and team at Made Ya Smile work hard to ensure our patients enjoy lasting oral health. It's possible to re-mineralize tooth structure in children and teens and prevent cavities in patients of all ages with a professional fluoride treatment. To receive more information about the kinds of fluoride treatments offered in our office, call our family practice in Spring, TX today to schedule your next visit.