When Tristen Boyer recently had some cavities full of, her dentist suggested that she get the treatment with fluoride afterwards. It has Crohn’s disease, which puts it at an increased risk of dental decomposition.
“It’s something I felt I should finish,” said the 22 -year -old student of the University of Kentucky. “It’s something I will continue to do.”
Dentists and hygiene often suggest fluoride treatments in patients in the dental chair to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. But the relatively simple process – which includes the application of a varnish, gel or foam directly to the teeth – is not always covered by insurance, especially for adults.
So when is it worth reaching? Here are some ways to understand.
Who needs fluoride treatment in the office?
If there is a high risk of tooth decay, then professional fluoride treatments can help.
But if “you haven’t seen any decomposition for years, you are probably okay. What you do at home is probably enough,” Dr. Robert Weyant said at the University of Pittsburgh.
In addition to examining the history of the cavity, your dentist may also ask about dangerous behaviors, such as drinking many soft drinks and your oral health.
Patients “who do not have access to fluoridated water, do not use fluorid toothpaste or are not the thread regularly” may be good candidates for fluoride treatments, said Dr. Alex Daniel of Johns Hopkins University.
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Treatments can also benefit some groups more than others. Menopause women, for example, experience hormonal changes that can lead to oral health problems. And people who take some medicines can take dry mouth, which means fewer enzymes that kill bacteria and possibly more decomposition.
For patients who are considered at risk, dentists generally constitute therapies every three, six or 12 months.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of fluoride treatment?
Dental fluorine prevents decomposition by helping tooth enamel – the hard outer layer of the tooth – better to resist the acid caused by bacteria in the mouth.
“The acid dissolves the tooth enamel, which weakens it – which makes the cavities,” said Ohio dentist Dr. Matthew Messina, representative of the American Dental Union.
Fluoride, a mineral, strengthens enamel, making it harder.
The scientific elements behind fluoride treatments are stronger for children than adults. But if the benefit is stronger for children it is uncertain, Weyant said, because there was no so much adult research.
Dentists said there are no safety concerns about treatment. The only actual side effect is an unusual called fluoroage, a cosmetic discoloration of the teeth if one gets a little excessive fluoride.
Dentists have acknowledged that the recent opposition to fluoride in drinking water by some – including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new Minister of Health and Human Services of the Nation – can give some people pause. But even if you use fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated water and take casual fluoride treatments in the office, dentists said you are taking a relatively small amount of mineral that does not endanger.
Is it worth fluoride treatment?
Fluorine treatments cost anywhere from about $ 25 to $ 55. Although many insurers cover the costs for children, adults generally pay from the pocket.
Boyer, who used to take the treatments as a child, paid $ 30 for his first adult treatment. Although he wishes to be covered by insurance, he said it is a small price to pay to avoid decomposition, expensive dental procedures and possible tooth loss.
“We only have a set of teeth,” he said. “The longer you can keep them, the more you need.”
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