Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural mineral that makes tooth enamel more resistant to the acids that cause decay. An in-office fluoride treatment is one of the quickest parts of a regular checkup, and one of the simplest ways to lower your risk of cavities. It is part of our preventive care for children and adults.

How fluoride protects your teeth

Every time you eat or drink something sugary or starchy, bacteria in plaque produce acid that pulls minerals out of your enamel. Fluoride helps in two ways. It strengthens enamel so it better resists that acid, and it helps put minerals back into areas that have started to weaken, which can reverse very early decay before it becomes a cavity.

Who benefits most

Children benefit most while their permanent teeth are developing, which is why fluoride is a regular part of pediatric dentistry. Adults benefit too, especially if you:

• Get cavities often, or have many fillings and crowns
• Have a dry mouth from medications or a health condition
• Have gums that have pulled back, exposing the softer root surfaces
• Wear braces, which make teeth harder to clean
• Have sensitive teeth

What to expect

A fluoride treatment in our office takes just a few minutes. After your teeth are cleaned, a concentrated fluoride varnish, gel or foam is applied to the teeth. Varnish is painted on and sets quickly, which makes it easy for young children.

After the treatment, you may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride.

How often you need it

Depending on your oral health and your doctor’s recommendation, you may need a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. Your dentist will recommend a schedule at your regular exam.

Fluoride and your diet

Fluoride works best when your teeth are not under constant attack. How often you eat sugar matters more than how much: sipping a sweet drink or snacking all afternoon keeps your teeth bathed in acid for hours. Keep sweets to mealtimes, drink tap water between meals, and choose snacks such as cheese, nuts and raw vegetables.

Fluoride at home

The fluoride in toothpaste and in community tap water adds daily protection between visits:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• For children under three, use a smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice; from three to six, a pea-sized amount
• Spit out the toothpaste after brushing instead of rinsing heavily, so some fluoride stays on the teeth

Fluoride works best alongside good daily habits and, for children’s back teeth, dental sealants. See our preventive care tips for brushing, flossing and diet, check our dental FAQs, or request an appointment to ask whether a fluoride treatment is right for you.