Fluoride therapy means professional fluoride treatment. When your kid’s teeth are prone to developing multiple cavities, fluoride therapy is recommended as a preventive measure that will cease the further decay of the tooth. Constant supply of Fluoride in recommended dosage strengthens the teeth by re-mineralizing the outermost layer of the teeth.

Fluoride can be obtained in two forms – topical and systemic:

• Topically from toothpaste and treatments at the dentist
• Systemically in water and dietary supplements
• According to the American Dental Association, it’s best to get fluoride both topically and systemically. So, it’s best to use fluoride toothpaste/mouth rinse, even if your local water or diet is boosted by adding the recommended dose of fluoride.

Fluoride treatments may be recommended every 3,6 or 12 months depending on your child’s oral health status. Additional preventive measures like over-the-counter or prescription therapeutic products such as fluoride mouth rinses, gels or antibacterial mouth rinses and children specific fluoridated toothpaste may be recommended, if your child is at a moderate or high risk of developing caries.

Procedure

• Fluoride containing Liquid, Varnish, Gels, or Foams are professionally applied fluoride by your dentist during your child’s dental visits. These fluorides are more concentrated than the self-applied fluorides (like fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse), and therefore are not needed as frequently.
• They are either painted on the teeth surface or a tray containing fluoride gel/ foam is placed inside the mouth for several minutes. After the treatment, post operative instructions are given.
• High-concentration fluoride varnish is applied by painting it directly onto the teeth. It sets on coming in contact with saliva. These varnish must be regularly reapplied with at least 2 applications per year for sustained benefit.
• Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) similar to dental varnish, is a colourless liquid used in the treatment of tooth sensitivity, and is applied using a brush. When applied to a carious lesion, SDF has been shown to lower caries risk of the adjacent tooth surface. Its potential downsides include a reportedly unpleasant metallic taste, and the characteristic black staining of the tooth surfaces to which it is applied

Time

The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes to be completed.

Cost

The treatment cost for fluoride treatment is Rs.2000 per arch

FAQs

How long will the fluoride stay?
It’s a long term treatment. The fluoride will stay on the surface of your kid’s teeth for at least 6- 8 months there by strengthening and protecting the teeth from further decay until the teeth naturally fall off and guide the permanent teeth to erupt.

Will my child be able to eat normally after the treatment?
Yes, absolutely, since it’s a superficial procedure, there is no restriction in food. Only avoid drinking milk for an hour after the completion of the procedure. After that your child can eat whatever he or she wants, but make sure after every meal your child rinses his/her mouth.

Why is it necessary to undergo fluoride therapy?
As prevention is always better than cure, fluoride therapy is a preventive measure to protect and strengthen your teeth until it naturally falls. It protects the teeth from the progressing of the decay. If the decay progresses then your child won’t be able to eat because of the pain and will have to undergo pulpectomy also called baby’s root canal treatment. So to avoid all of this, it’s always better to take preventive measures.

But why save the milk teeth when it will fall off anyway?
Every tooth has a right time to fall off. Presence of milk teeth plays a very important role in guiding the permanent teeth into the right occlusion. Early falling off of the milk tooth causes various oral health complications for example, crowding, cross bite, deep bite, jaw pain, grinding habits which will require orthodontic treatment in the later stage of life to correct that. So it’s always better to prevent them by taking care of your milk teeth.

How much fluoride do you need?
According to American Dental Association (ADA), it is recommended to get a professional fluoride treatment at your dental office every 3,6 or 12 months. If your child is at high risk at developing cavities, your dentist may also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or gel or toothpaste to use regularly at home.

What is the importance of fluoride treatment?
Fluoride works by restoring minerals to tooth surfaces where bacteria may have eroded the enamel causing the initiation of decay. Moreover, It can also inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria thus preventing the further deepening of the cavities. Fluoride is beneficial to both children as well as adults, if children are exposed to the recommended dose of fluoride during their younger age (below 8yrs) the teeth are found to be significantly more resistant to decay than those who weren’t exposed.

Does fluoride therapy cause fluorosis in Permanent teeth?
No, it does not cause fluorosis in permanent teeth as in office fluoride treatment is monitored and fluoride is given in the recommended dosage. Home fluoride therapy when recommended should also be done under adult supervision only. Fluoride poisoning is very rare today, now restricted to areas where still water fluoridation levels are very high like in areas of north Karnataka , Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. In such places kids can be given softened/ drinking water for all their regular uses also. Too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis in young children which is presented as white specks on mature teeth, staining and pitting on teeth. That is why child specific toothpaste is available for children.