Is fluoride treatment needed after tooth cleaning?

AP – When Tristen Boyer recently had some cavities full of, her dentist suggested that she get the treatment of 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. However, the fairly simple process – which results in the use of varnish, gel or foam directly on the teeth – is not always insured, 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 your history history, your dentist may ask about harmful practices, such as eating plenty of soft drinks and your dental care routine.

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.

Some groups may obtain more benefits than treatments than others. Women in menopause, for example, experience hormonal changes that can lead to oral health problems. People who take some medicines can take dry mouth, resulting in a decrease in bacteria -killing enzymes and possibly greater 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 fluoride combats decomposition by helping tooth enamel – the hard outer layer of the tooth – in acid resistance produced 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.

Scientific data on fluoride treatments are stronger for children than adults. However, it is not clear whether the advantage is greater for children, according to Weyant, as there was less survey conducted in adults.

Dentists said there are no safety concerns about treatment. The only actual side effect is a rare condition called fluorization, which causes a cosmetic discoloration of the teeth if one takes excessive fluoride.

Dentists have acknowledged that the recent resistance to fluoride in drinking water by some – including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new Secretary of Health and Nation’s Human Services – can force some people to re -examine. However, even if you use fluoride toothpaste, drinking fluorid water and receive sporadic fluoride treatments, dentists claim that you receive a relatively small amount of no risk.

Is it worth fluoride treatment?

Fluorine treatments range from about USD25 to USD55. While many insurers cover the costs for children, adults usually carry the costs themselves.

Boyer, who received treatments as a child, paid USD30 for the first adult treatment. While hoping to be insured, he said it is a small cost to avoid deterioration, expensive dental work and possible tooth loss.

“We only have a set of teeth,” he said. “The longer you can keep them, the more you need.”