Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride Treament
Fluoride Varnish (5% sodium fluoride) is used to prevent tooth decay. It lowers cavity causing oral bacterial levels and repairs and strengthens teeth. Fluoride varnish is a topical application and not considered systemic. It can be used on babies from the time that they have their first tooth (around six months of age). It is safe and effective and can be quickly applied to the teeth. The main purpose is to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and help reduce the incidence of cavities by 30-35% and can even reverse early cavity formation.
Daily fluoride treatment can be in the form of our toothpastes or mouth rinses but have low fluoride content. For a higher concentration of fluoride,professionally-applied fluoride should be done. This fluoride treatment can be in the form of gels or varnish.
Advantages
- Makes teeth healthier and stronger and more resistant to dental cavities
- Reduces teeth sensitivity
Disadvantages
- Too much fluoride can cause white patches (fluorosis) on your teeth.
Procedure for
Fluoride Varnish Application
Fluoride varnish is painted on the top and sides of each tooth with a small brush. It is sticky but hardens once it comes in contact with saliva.
It does not hurt when the varnish is applied. However, young children may still cry before or during the procedure. Fortunately, brushing on the varnish takes only a few minutes.
You may be asked to hold your child in your lap while you are placed knee-to-knee with the person applying the varnish.
Time Span
Fluoride treatment should be done every 3-4 months or depending on the need of the child.
Post Treatment
- Do not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes after fluoride application.
- Do not brush or floss teeth for at least 4 to 6 hours.
- Recommended to wait until the next morning to brush or floss. Remind your child to spit when rinsing.
- GENERAL DENTISTRY
- COSMETIC DENTISTRY
- ORTHODONTICS
- ORAL SURGERY
- PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
- PROSTHODONTICS
- ENDODONTICS
- PERIODONTICS
- DIGITAL X-RAYS
