Fluoride in Office
Fluoride is recommended and used in office for several different oral health reasons.
- Youth under the age of 16. Fluoride is recommended at the re-care appointments. This is because children’s teeth have thinner enamel and they normally consume a diet higher in sugar and carbohydrates which makes them more susceptible to cavities.
- Adults that have dry mouth. Many people are on multiple medications. When taking more than one medication a common side effect is dry mouth. Dry mouth increases the risk for cavities.
- Adults that have had extensive restorative work. This means lots of crowns and fillings. Crowns are at risk of getting cavities underneath them and the start of cavities under crowns don’t show up on the x-rays because the crown is blocking them.
- Adults that have been recently diagnosed with more than 2 cavities.
- Adults and Youth that have been diagnosed with early cavities that do not need fillings yet. Fluoride can help to strengthen these early cavities and stop them from growing larger thus requiring a filling.
Types of Fluoride used in office.
- Fluoride varnish. This is a sticky varnish that is wiped across all tooth surfaces with a small paint brush. Commonly used at the youth’s re-care appointment and the adults that require a fluoride treatment.
- Fluoride rinse. This is a daily fluoride rinse that is recommended to individuals that have many crowns, dry mouth or have newly diagnosed cavities.