919 18th Street NW Suite LL50 (202) 539-9499

Fluoride Treatment

At City Smiles DC, we have safe and effective fluoride treatments to help our patients (young and old) to prevent damaging tooth decay, repair weakened dental enamel, and strengthen developing teeth. At your dental cleaning, our dentist, Dr. Stuart Ross, may suggest having a professional fluoride treatment in addition to the polishing of your teeth. Our patients from 6 months to 16 years will regularly receive a fluoride treatment. Adults, who have poor oral health and several cavities may also benefit from this treatment to protect the teeth from harmful bacteria that forms in the mouth. If you would like to learn more about fluoride treatments, please give one of our friendly patient coordinators a call to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam in our Washington, DC dental office.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Professional fluoride treatments are usually given every 6 months at the patient’s regular cleaning. The dentist may use acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) or neutral sodium fluoride, depending on the condition of the patient’s mouth. The fluoride treatment may be given as a gel, foam, or varnish that is applied to dried, clean teeth for 1 – 4 minutes. Due to the high concentration of fluoride in professional treatments, patients should never swallow any of the fluoride.

TREATMENT AFTERCARE

Patients should not eat, drink, or smoke for at least 30 minutes to allow the treatment time to fully penetrate the enamel. If any fluoride is swallowed, the patient may become nauseous, but when used properly, professional fluoride treatments are safe and effective. Patients may talk to their dentist about adding a home fluoride treatment regimine if they are at high risk for tooth decay.

ANTICIPATED COSTS

A fluoride treatment is usually included in a typical dental exam and cleaning, which is usually covered by the patient’s insurance. Since fluoride treatments are a preventative measure, patients should consider that investing in fluoride treatments may save them from more expensive fillings and dental work.

STRENGTHEN YOUR ENAMEL

Patients with developing teeth or who are at higher risk for developing tooth decay and dental cavities, should ask Dr. Ross about professional fluoride treatments during their regular dental exam and cleaning at City Smiles DC. Your dentist can help you determine if a professional fluoride treatment is right for you, and if further precautions, like prescription home fluoride treatments will improve your dental health.