Fluoride Treatment in The Woodlands, TX

Medical groups, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Dental Association (ADA), have all stated the importance of using fluoride as part of a regular dental health plan. If you haven't heard of it before, fluoride is a mineral found in soil, food, and water, known to strengthen teeth and enamel that fights against tooth decay. Fluoride has also been proven to reduce the amount of tooth decay found in some communities that add it to their public drinking water, and this is why water without fluoride can lead to communities with greater dental issues. 

Practitioners at Made Ya Smile Dental use fluoride treatments to give you and your family the best protection possible, especially for young children who are more prone to cavities. Adults can take advantage of fluoride varnish treatments either in-office or at home to benefit their smile. Learn more about fluoride at our practice in The Woodlands, TX by contacting our office today. 

Individuals of all ages can benefit from the many positive effects of fluoride treatments, including protecting from cavities. It is mostly recommended, however, for those who have developing teeth or do not have access to fluoridated water, which makes them a higher risk for tooth decay. Adults with exposed root surfaces due to gum recession and a history of decay are also excellent candidates at our clinic in The Woodlands, TX. Incipient decay and carious lesions may be remineralized through fluoride, which also reduces the need for dental treatments in the future. Made Ya Smile Dental offers comfortable solutions with varnish, gel, and foam options in a wide variety of flavors for you and your family. If we believe it is necessary, we may also prescribe fluoride supplements or toothpaste during your appointment. 

Families don't need to make any additional appointments for fluoride treatments since they are administered at either your annual examination or your biannual cleaning. A fluoride paste is administered through a gel or foam easily delivered through mouth trays for 1 – 4 minutes or through a varnish that we paint over the enamel and into the grooves of your teeth. If we use the gel or foam, Made Ya Smile Dental then suctions the fluoride treatment out of your mouth and teeth. Our staff will then provide you with follow-up instructions to follow at home after the treatment. 

Anyone who has had a fluoride treatment at our The Woodlands, TX clinic should avoid foods or drinks for about a half-hour after the initial appointment. If the varnish is used, our experienced team also recommends avoiding crunchy, sticky, or hard food for several hours so the treatment can remain in contact with your teeth. This allows it to be absorbed more easily into the enamel. If fluoride is swallowed, adult patients will get an upset stomach while causing serious harm to children. For this reason, Made Ya Smile Dental suggests you closely supervise your child after the appointment and keep them from using fluoridated toothpaste or supplements. Our dentists will also teach you and your children how to brush and floss the teeth and gums at home for a better smile.

Since they are a preventive treatment, fluoride may be covered in part by dental health insurance once a year for young children. To find out more information about coverage for teenagers or adults, our team will help you review your coverage by contacting your provider and filing claims on your behalf. If you have any additional out-of-pocket costs, we accept a range of payment types, as well as third-party financing with zero or low interest rates. 

How often do I need to get fluoride treatment?
The frequency of your fluoride varnish treatments depends on a number of factors. In your initial visit to Made Ya Smile The Woodlands, we will evaluate your overall dental health and determine the amount of fluoride needed to maintain your optimal dental hygiene. Most patients need fluoride every 6 – 12 months, while some may benefit from more frequent treatments, such as every three months.

How long will my fluoride treatment take to work?
After your dental appointment in which you get fluoride treatment, we recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This allows the fluoride paste to harden and create a seal around your teeth. After the short waiting period, you are free to eat and drink as usual, as your fluoride treatment will have had enough time to settle in and begin protecting your teeth.

What happens if I swallow fluoride?
You have probably heard severe warnings about taking care not to swallow fluoride. Most fluoride treatments are topical, and there is no risk of swallowing if you adhere to the instructions given at our Woodlands, TX office. Most water sources contain controlled, trace amounts of fluoride to protect dental health and that are perfectly safe to drink. Unless large amounts of fluoride are ingested in a quick time frame, you should not experience any of the negative effects that are possible.

Yearly fluoride treatments are an excellent way to stay updated on your child's overall oral health. Made Ya Smile Dental utilizes professional fluoride treatment to keep the tooth structure strong and to protect teeth from cavities in the future. Adults may also benefit from fluoride if they tend to get tooth decay or cavities on a regular basis. For more information about fluoride in The Woodlands, TX area, speak with our friendly staff today.