Fluoride Treatment: What Are the Benefits?

Is a fluoride treatment necessary when you visit the dentist in New York? Yes! Learn the benefits of getting this done here.

Did you know that children and teens who received a fluoride treatment for one year were 43 percent less likely to have tooth decay and cavities? Before fluoride was added to toothpaste, as most of them now have, people who used water that was fluoridated had 40 to 60 percent less risk of developing tooth decay.

This is why a fluoride treatment is something every dentist in New York, NY recommends to their patients. But what is a fluoride treatment and how can it help? Let us look at why dentist New York, NY offices recommend this treatment.

Dentist New York, NY: What Is Fluoride Treatment?

A dentist will provide a fluoride treatment as a concentrated rinse, gel, foam, or varnish. There are different modes in which this treatment can be applied, including using a brush, tray, swab, or even a mouthwash.

When you get a fluoride treatment from a dentist, you can expect to get much more fluoride than you would from a toothpaste, mouthwash, and from your local water. These treatments take a few minutes to apply and your dentist will ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes or so.

Dentists recommend most people get fluoride treatment every six months. If you are someone with a higher risk of developing cavities, you may need to have these treatments more often.

Fluoride treatments are good for children, as well. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children between 6 months and 16 years use some form of fluoride every day. It can be in the drinking water or in the toothpaste they use.



As they grow older, fluoride treatments at the dentist's office are recommended.

Dentist in New York, NY: Top Benefits of Fluoride

A fluoride treatment is a procedure dentists will usually recommend because of the many benefits it can offer. Let us look a bit closer at what these are.

Protects Tooth Enamel

Most people drink liquids that have high acidic levels, including coffee, many fruit juices, and soft drinks, and this can wear down a tooth's enamel. The enamel protects your teeth and if it wears down, you can become much more sensitive to activities like drinking cold, warm, or hot drinks.

Having sensitive teeth can be unpleasant and can make eating and drinking a chore. Fluoride treatments can help protect your teeth against the acids that break down the enamel. Using a toothpaste with fluoride on a regular basis and having fluoride treatments at the dentist's office will prevent these issues.

Prevents Cavities and Tooth Decay

People always have bacteria in their mouths. When you eat or drink sugar and starches, they feed the bacteria and allow them to create an acid that can break down tooth enamel.

If you do not use a toothpaste with fluoride or if you do not have fluoride treatments, which can help combat the acid, it begins to cause decay. Of all of the options, fluoride treatments work best in combating tooth decay.

You should know that cavities do not only affect children. To help prevent tooth decay and to get the dental health you need, having regular fluoride treatments is important.

Helps With Minerals

Acid and bacteria do more than break down tooth enamel. It wears down on the actual structure of your teeth, removing the minerals that make up the teeth and weakening them.

The most important minerals you have in your teeth are calcium and phosphorus. When the enamel wears down and the acids attack these minerals, you can have all manner of tooth issues, including weakness, pain, root issues, and more.

The process of building back these minerals is remineralization and it uses fluoride. Your dentist may recommend systemic fluoride as well as fluoride treatments.

More Beautiful Smile

Cosmetically, fluoride can allow you to enjoy a beautiful smile at any age. Because it prevents tooth decay and promotes dental health, it is an option that reduces the look of aging your teeth would otherwise have.

With regular fluoride treatments, you will be able to enjoy a brighter and whiter smile without the worry of deep staining. This is because fluoride acts as a shield.

Saves You Money

Fluoride treatments will save you money down the road. Because you will have better protection from cavities and decay, you will not have to spend as much on visits to the dentist or on whitening procedures.

When you have fluoride treatments, you can prevent costly dental procedures. The best thing is to turn to topical fluoride treatments, which are applied right onto your teeth. Many dentists apply these topical treatments during teeth cleaning procedures.



Some people choose to supplement these topical procedures with systemic ones. Systemic fluorides are options that you swallow, like drinking water that contains fluoride. If your municipal water does not contain fluoride, there are supplements you can also take, just be sure to always consult with your dentist and your GP.

Maintain a Radiant and Healthy Smile

When you get regular fluoride treatments at the office of your dentist in New York, NY, you can prevent tooth stains, the loss of important minerals, and even cavities and decay.

At Riverside Dental Care, we are here to offer the preventative dental services you need. Our experts are here to help you manage any dental issues you may have. When searching for a dentist New York, NY office, turn to us.



Contact us today to start your journey towards dental health!