Fluoride Treatments in the Dental Office

FOR THE DENTAL PATIENT ...

dexposed root surfaces of teeth; Fluoride treatments ddecreased salivary flow, resulting in dry mouth; in the dental office dpoor diet; dexisting restorations (fillings); Extra protection for your dtooth enamel defects; dundergoing head and neck radiation therapy. teeth PROFESSIONAL FLUORIDE TREATMENT ental caries (tooth decay) is caused by If you, or a family member, are at a moderate-to- acid-producing bacteria that collect high risk of developing caries, a professional fluo- around the teeth and gingivae (gums) ride treatment can help. The fluoride preparation in a sticky, clear film called “plaque.” used in the dental office is a much stronger con- Without good daily oral hygiene and centration than that in toothpastes or fluoride Dregular dental visits, teeth become more vulner- mouthrinses that may be available in a store or at able to caries. Brushing twice a day and cleaning a pharmacy. between teeth with floss or another type of inter- Professional fluoride treatments generally take dental cleaner help remove plaque. Regular just a few minutes. The fluoride may be in the dental examinations and cleanings also are form of a solution, gel, foam or varnish. Typically, important for keeping teeth healthy. it is applied with a cotton swab or brush, or it is Another key to good oral health is fluoride, a used as a rinse or placed in a tray that is held in mineral that helps prevent caries and can repair the mouth for several minutes. teeth in the very early, microscopic stages of the After the treatment, you may be asked not to disease. Fluoride can be obtained in two forms: rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow topical and systemic. the teeth to absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic carious areas. TOPICAL AND SYSTEMIC FLUORIDES Depending on your oral health status, fluoride Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth treatments may be recommended every three, six enamel. Some examples include fluoride tooth- or 12 months. Your dentist also may recommend pastes and mouthrinses, as well as fluoride treat- additional preventive measures if you are at a ments in the dental office. moderate or high risk of developing caries. These Systemic fluorides are those that are swal- measures may include over-the-counter or pre- lowed. Examples include fluoridated water and scription therapeutic products such as fluoride dietary fluoride supplements. The maximum mouthrinses, gels or antibacterial mouthrinses. reduction in dental caries is achieved when fluo- Look for products with the American Dental ride is available both topically and systemically. Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Products dis- Dentists have used in-office fluoride treat- playing the ADA Seal have been examined care- ments for decades to help protect the oral health fully by the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs of children and adults, especially patients who and have met its criteria for safety and may be at a higher risk of developing caries. Some effectiveness. ■ factors that may increase a person’s risk of devel- Prepared by the ADA Division of Communications, in cooperation oping caries include the following: with The Journal of the American Dental Association and the ADA dpoor oral hygiene; Council on Scientific Affairs. Unlike other portions of JADA, this page may be clipped and copied as a handout for patients, without first dactive caries; obtaining reprint permission from the ADA Publishing Division. Any deating disorders; other use, copying or distribution, whether in printed or electronic form, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the ADA ddrug or alcohol abuse; Publishing Division. d lack of regular professional dental care; “For the Dental Patient” provides general information on dental dactive orthodontic treatment combined with treatments to dental patients. It is designed to prompt discussion between dentist and patient about treatment options and does not sub- poor oral hygiene; stitute for the dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual dhigh levels of caries-causing bacteria in the mouth; patient’s needs and desires.