Fluoride Treatments

1. Topical Fluoride strengthens teeth after they have erupted by seeping into the outer enamel surface and making the tooth more resistant to decay.  Fluoride is in toothpaste, rinses, and gels.  Professionally applied fluoride, in the dentist's office, is recommended twice a year during your cleaning/check up appointment.
2. Systemic Fluoride strengthens teeth that haven't yet erupted, and teeth that have already erupted.  The most common source of systemic fluoride is in our municipal water supplies.  It is also available as fluoride drops and tablets by prescription for infants through teen years if the water you have is not fluoridated.  Parents need to watch children when they brush their teeth to make sure they do not swallow their toothpaste.  Excess fluoride causes fluorosis, which causes white spots and sometimes even dark brown spots on teeth.

   

Prevident 5% Fluoride Varnish is an in-office Rx Fluoride Varnish that is applied to your teeth by the hygienist or dentist.  It contains the highest amount of fluoride, 22,600 ppm.  It is especially therapeutic for adults or teens with very sensitive root surfaces.  It is transparent when applied.  Your teeth remain very sticky for a few hours, but the gel coating keeps the fluoride on your teeth for an extended period of time, allowing it to work better at counteracting decay and sensitivity, and there is much less risk of ingestion than with topical fluorides prescription rinses or foam.

Why is getting fluoride important and why do you use it?
Most people don't receive enough fluoride from food and water, and sometimes it isn't enough to prevent tooth decay.  We recommend the use of professional in-office fluoride treatments, in addition to home fluoride treatments for the following reasons:

• Deep pits and fissure grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth (although sealants are more effective).
• Sensitive, exposed, recessed root surfaces (adults).
• Fair to poor oral hygiene habits.
• Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake.
• Inadequate saliva flow due to medical conditions, medical treatments, or medications.
• History of dental decay.

There are several types of fluorides that can be used.  Below is a list of different brands, some are by prescription only, and others you can get over the counter, along with some important facts.

Prevident Rx Rinse is made up of 0.2% neutral sodium fluoride.  It contains 900 ppm fl ion.  We normally have it available in our office for take home use. 

        *  55% reduction in caries
        *  Once weekly use
        *  Easy dose cap
        *  Great for people who prefer to rinse.

                                                 Designing Smiles
                                     Angela Hilton-Foley, DMD, FICOI
                                                      (813) 891-1212