Fluoride Treatment
in Waterville & Winthrop
Fluoride is a natural mineral that has excellent benefits for oral health. Small amounts can be found in most drinking water, but our professionals at Smile Solutions of Maine recommend fluoride treatments to ensure your teeth receive the proper amount. Fluoride helps maintain healthy enamel and fights off bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities. Read on to hear about how fluoride treatments can improve your oral health.
Fluoride at the Dentist
After your routine checkup and cleaning, a dental professional will apply either a gel, foam, or varnish on the surface of each tooth. The teeth will absorb the fluoride and help repair the beginning stages of decay either between the teeth, grooves, or flat surfaces of the teeth. Fluoride reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults.
What are the Benefits of a Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatments for adults and kids help strengthen your enamel. Treatments prevent interproximal caries, decay between the teeth, or areas where a patient may have deeper grooves.
Fluoride Treatment Process
Fluoride treatments for children’s teeth involve applying a small amount of varnish to their teeth which adheres quickly. Our professionals have topical trays for adults or can even prescribe special toothpaste to use at home. It’s best not to eat or drink for 30 minutes after the treatment to ensure your teeth are absorbing the fluoride. Overall, the treatment is fast and painless.
Who Can Receive Fluoride Treatments?
Anyone can receive a fluoride treatment safely, including children, as long as their teeth have erupted. Dental professionals suggest children, the elderly, and patients with special needs receive fluoride treatments regularly, especially if they have difficulties brushing their teeth routinely. Patients prone to tooth decay due to genetics, lifestyle, or environmental factors can also benefit from fluoride treatments.
Not only does fluoride prevent cavities, but it can also help with tooth sensitivity. Poor oral hygiene causes bacteria to form in and around teeth. If bacteria is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can build up and cause your gums to recede around the teeth. Fluoride treatments may help strengthen teeth and reduce the sensitivity that gum recession causes.
Fluoride Treatment Cost
Check with your insurance provider if fluoride treatments are covered. If you do not have insurance, your dentist will be able to tell you the price you’ll pay out of pocket. They may offer alternative fluoride products to use that can be purchased at your local drug store if a treatment isn’t an option for you.
Smile Solutions of Maine has provided quality dental care to our patients for the past 40 years. Doctor Peter Vayanos, Dr. Jay Wietecha, and Dr. Joseph Dumont have an extensive background in dentistry and act as co-chairs for continuing education courses for the Academy of General Dentistry in the State of Maine. If you are prone to cavities, our compassionate staff at Smile Solutions of Maine in the Winthrop and Waterville area can help you schedule a fluoride treatment.