Fluoride Treatment Chapel Hill

fall in love with your smile

Fluoride Treatment Options

Fluoride treatment is an effective method for preventing tooth decay from developing. Fluoride is a natural mineral that is effective in restoring minerals and preventing bacteria that can cause decay or erode enamel from collecting in the mouth, thereby reducing the likelihood of patients developing cavities.

Fluoride treatment is especially important for young children. Most dentists recommend that children receive fluoride treatment twice a year. For infants, fluoride is generally administered in the form of drops, whereas children up to 10 years will often be given fluoride in the form of gels. While fluoride treatment can have a positive impact on patient’s teeth, excessive use of fluoride can be harmful, especially for young children. As such, it is critical that the appropriate dosage is provided, which is determined by the child’s age and weight.

According to a recent research study, children who received early fluoride treatment were significantly less likely to develop cavities. Another study indicated that children as well as adolescents who receive fluoride treatments reduce their risk of developing cavities or experiencing tooth decay by 43%.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions about our treatment options, please contact our office at (919) 595-1010. We look forward to creating the smile you have always desired a reality for you.

More About Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride can be administered in a variety of different ways, including in water, rinses, mouthwashes, and toothpastes. There are also two primary types of fluoride administration types: system and topical.

Systemic fluoride is found and consumed in many foods and in most water supplies. This type of fluoride can also be administered in the form of gel or drops. It is also beneficial to teeth still beneath the surface as well as teeth that have erupted.

Topical fluoride is fluoride that is applied in the form of rinse, foam, or gel and is administered to strengthen teeth that have erupted.

Fluoride treatments are generally administered in the form of a gel, form, rinse, or varnish and can be applied via mouthwash, a swab, tray, or brush. The process generally only takes a few minutes. Following the administration, it is important to avoid eating or drinking for approximately 30 minutes to allow time for the fluoride to absorb.

Additional fluoride treatments may be prescribed if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
  • Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
  • Fissures on the surfaces of teeth
  • History of tooth decay
  • Insufficient exposure to fluorides
  • Insufficient saliva flow
  • Frequent consumption of carbohydrates and/or sugar
  • Poor oral hygiene habits
  • Weak enamel

Fluoride treatments can be a wonderful option for patients who are looking to improve their oral health and prevent additional issues from developing in the future. If you would like to learn more about fluoride treatments, please read below, or contact our staff who will be happy to answer any of your questions and/or set up a consultation.

Contact Us Today

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form.

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a valid phone number.
Please type your message.

Fluoride Treatments Frequency

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), fluoride treatment regimens can vary depending upon a patient’s overall oral health, but they can be administered as frequently as every three months or on an annual basis. Patients who are at a higher risk for developing cavities may also benefit from a fluoride rinse to be used at home.

Possible Side Effects

As with any medication, excessive levels of fluoride treatment can result in negative outcomes. It is especially important to ensure that children do not receive chronic overexposure, as this can negatively affect the development of their teeth and bones.

Excessive fluoride can result in the following side effects:

  • Dense bones
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive sweating
  • Issues with bone homeostasis
  • Nausea
  • Staining on teeth
  • Tiredness
  • White specks on teeth
DSC_2687
DSC_2523
Patient and Tina
DSC_2679

Cornerstone Family Dentistry Reviews

Cornerstone Family Dentistry Chapel Hill NC

High-Quality Dental Care

At Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Chapel Hill, all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, confident in our work, and most importantly, we want you to fall in love with your smile again. If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions about cosmetic procedures that we offer, please contact us at (919) 595-1010.