The Effectiveness of Fluoride Treatments in Murrieta

When it comes to maintaining your oral health, you’ve probably heard about or even gotten fluoride treatments at your six month checkups. But what exactly are fluoride treatments, and how do they work? In Murrieta, Dr. Pulsipher uses fluoride to help our patients strengthen their teeth, reverse early signs of decay, and even treat sensitivity.

What are Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatment is a preventive dental procedure designed to strengthen and remineralize your teeth to protect them from cavities, bacteria, and acids. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in various sources, including municipal (tap) water, certain foods, and added to dental products like toothpaste or mouthwash. When applied directly to your teeth, it can provide an extra layer of defense against the harmful effects of bacteria and acids that erode your enamel.

In addition to topical fluoride treatments like gels or varnishes, Dr. Pulsipher may even prescribe fluoride to use at home. These concentrated fluoride gels are helpful for people who are at high risk for cavities, such as cancer patients, people with dry mouth, orthodontic patients, or anyone with visible demineralization on their teeth.

How do Fluoride Treatments Work?

The mechanism behind fluoride treatments is straightforward yet highly effective. During a fluoride application at our Murrieta dental office, we will apply a highly concentrated fluoride solution to your teeth. This may be in the form of a gel or a thicker varnish, which can stick to your teeth for several hours. This solution is much more potent than what you’d find in your toothpaste or drinking water. The application is quick and instantly begins to penetrate the small pores or tubules in your tooth enamel.

Once applied, the fluoride treatment works in two primary ways:

Enamel Strengthening: Fluoride helps to remineralize your tooth enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Over time, acids produced by bacteria in your mouth can weaken this protective layer of your teeth, making your smile more vulnerable to cavities. Fluoride replenishes some of the minerals in your enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks.

Bacterial Inhibition: Fluoride also disrupts the metabolic processes of harmful oral bacteria. By interfering with their ability to produce acid, fluoride reduces the risk of acid-related tooth decay. This inhibitory effect can help keep your teeth healthier in the long run.

Desensitizing: Depending on the cause of your sensitive teeth, a fluoride treatment with varnish could provide relief of symptoms for up to three months.

What is the Recommended Frequency for Fluoride Treatments?

The frequency of fluoride treatments can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including your age, current health history, and overall risk of getting new cavities. Typically, children and teenagers benefit the most from fluoride treatments, as their teeth are still developing and more susceptible to decay. For these age groups, fluoride treatments are usually recommended at every checkup.

Adults, on the other hand, may require fluoride treatments less frequently, usually as an elective part of their regular dental check-ups, when they are suffering from dry mouth, have sensitive teeth, or if additional medical concerns like cancer are being treated. Our dentist in Murrieta will recommend an appropriate schedule.

How Much Do Fluoride Treatments Cost In Murrieta?

The cost of fluoride treatments in Murrieta can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of fluoride and your dental insurance coverage. Typically, a single fluoride treatment session is an affordable addition to your dental care routine. Many dental insurance plans cover fluoride treatments for children up to age 14, making them an even more cost-effective measure.

The modest investment in a fluoride treatment can help save you from the expense of extra dental work in the future, not to mention more sensitive teeth.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Even if you use fluoridated toothpaste and drink fluoridated tap water, a concentrated professional treatment can make a huge difference in your smile’s health. Be sure to add a fluoride treatment to your next checkup at Springs Dental! Call today to schedule.