Most children receive a semi-annual application of fluoride on their teeth as a way to help prevent them from getting cavities. A dentist in Summerlin may also recommend that adult patients receive these treatments, as the benefits of dental fluoride are not only for children. Adults who have sensitive teeth, thin enamel or who are prone to cavities may benefit from a fluoride treatment at their dentist’s office.
Lowered Risk of Cavities
If you are at a moderate or high risk of developing dental cavities, regular fluoride treatments performed by your dentist may lessen this risk. Fluoride solutions can be applied to your teeth as a gel or varnish, using a cotton swab or brush. Your dentist might also use a tray that fits loosely over your teeth. The fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth so that the acids produced by bacteria cannot easily dissolve it.
Reduction of Sensitivity
If you have some root exposure or have other sensitive spots on one or more of your teeth, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment as a way to desensitize these painful areas. The concentration of fluoride in dental grade products is much higher than that of regular or even specialty toothpastes. A fluoride treatment only takes a couple of minutes in the dentist’s office, yet it begins to work right away at protecting your teeth and reducing sensitivity.
Preventive Care
If you have health conditions that cause you to have a dry mouth, a fluoride treatment may help to protect your teeth from the lack of saliva. Your dentist might also recommend fluoride treatments if you are having radiation or chemotherapy to treat a head or neck cancer. This is because cancer treatments can weaken the enamel of your teeth. Fluoride treatments may also be given to you before you have orthodontic work done.
