Fluoride treatment is a preventive measure used to protect the teeth from decay. It is especially helpful for children’s teeth as they are developing. Your child’s dentist may recommend fluoride treatment as part of a routine dental cleaning and oral examination.
If you’re not familiar with fluoride treatment, you may have some questions. How often do kids need fluoride treatment? Is fluoride treatment covered by insurance? What are the benefits of fluoride treatment? Learn the answers to these questions and more.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It can be found in food, water, and soil but it is also manufactured synthetically for various uses. Fluoride is often added to the local water supply for its dental health benefits. It is also added to toothpaste and mouthwash. Fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and even reverse early decay by remineralizing the enamel.
What is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment is a specific application of fluoride directly to the teeth. It comes in various forms, such as foam, gel, or varnish. The fluoride treatment will be applied to the teeth with a brush or other applicator. In many cases the patient will be instructed to avoid brushing their teeth until the next day to allow the fluoride to remain on the teeth for an extended period of time.
Is Fluoride Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Fluoride treatment may or may not be covered by insurance depending on your plan. In some cases fluoride treatment is covered by insurance once a year, but it may be beneficial to have fluoride treatment twice a year at each regular dental visit. Fluoride treatment is affordable when it comes to out of pocket dental costs.
What Are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment offers many benefits:
- Prevents cavities. Fluoride strengthens your enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
- Reverses early decay. When a tooth is in the early stages of decay, fluoride can remineralize the enamel to stop or reverse the decay process.
- Helps teeth develop properly. When children’s teeth are just coming in, they may not be fully developed. Fluoride helps to complete the development of the teeth so that they are strong and healthy.
- May save you money. By preventing tooth decay you can avoid the cost of restorative procedures, such as cavity fillings and root canals.
Are There Any Risks With Fluoride Use?
Too much fluoride can have negative effects on your health. This is why it is important to use fluoride under the recommendation and supervision of your dentist. The amount of fluoride contained in toothpaste, drinking water, and fluoride treatments is within the safe amount and should have no negative effects on your health.
The use of fluoride toothpaste for infants has been a concern in the past, but most dentists agree that a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste is safe to use on infant’s teeth when they erupt. A small amount of fluoride would be less than a pea sized amount and more like a grain of rice.
How Important is Fluoride Treatment for Kids?
We believe that fluoride treatment throughout childhood is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth. Children who have regular fluoride treatments during childhood have a higher chance of keeping their natural teeth healthy for the rest of their life. Fluoride is most important while the teeth are developing and erupting, but it is also helpful into adulthood.
Dental Associates For Kids Only, LLP Recommends Fluoride
We believe in the importance of fluoride treatments for the health and development of children’s teeth, which is why we include it in our preventative dental services. It is also important to use fluoride toothpaste on a daily or twice daily basis to prevent tooth decay and keep the enamel strong.
Call 516-625-3806 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.