Fluoride Treatments in Farmington, UT

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up a portion of our bones and teeth. Fluoride also can be found in certain foods, and it's been shown that communities that add fluoride to their water supply have fewer issues with cavity formation. In fact, the role fluoride plays in maintaining excellent oral health has been backed up by the American Dental Association (ADA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), and a number of other professional, science-based societies.

At Oakridge Dental, our practice offers fluoride treatments to younger and older patients alike. This service can especially benefit children who have growing teeth and adults with damaged enamel. To determine if fluoride treatments should be added to your preventive dental care program, get in touch with our office in Farmington, UT. Board-certified dentist Dr. Brian Call or one of his highly trained dental hygienists will tell you everything you need to know.

Professional fluoride treatments can be given to all patients, but they're most commonly given to younger patients who have developing teeth or those who have not developed a proper home oral care routine. Dr. Call also recommends fluoride treatments to adult patients who don't have fluoride in their drinking water or who are prone to cavities. Our team at Oakridge Dental utilizes different fluoride formulas for people with specific needs. This includes neutral sodium fluoride for those with dry mouth and acidulated phosphate fluoride for patients who have dental restorations (like crowns, bridges, or dentures). We also offer a selection of flavors to suit your taste sensitivities and preferences.

Fluoride treatments are usually done twice a year after your professional dental cleaning and exam. Once the specific type or flavor is selected, the hygienist will prepare your treatment as either a gel, foam, or paint-on varnish. Fluoride treatments are left on for 1 – 4 minutes to give the substance time to sink into your enamel. A suction tool may be used to help remove any excess fluoride after the procedure since you will not be able to rinse your mouth, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes afterward.

Some patients may experience a temporary bout of nausea after having a fluoride treatment; however, this usually does not last long and will subside later in the day. In certain cases, Dr. Call or one of his hygienists may recommend fluoride tablets for you or your child to take between treatments. Because fluoride can be toxic when ingested at incredibly high doses, adults should be cautious and keep any supplements out of reach of children. While fluoride treatments help to strengthen the teeth, patients should still maintain a consistent oral care routine by brushing and flossing daily. It's vital to continue to attend your biannual dental cleanings and yearly exams at Oakridge Dental so Dr. Call and his team can monitor your oral health and assess your need for fluoride treatments.

Preventive fluoride treatments can help keep cavities at bay when administered twice a year. This mineral has been shown to strengthen the teeth and reduce the chances of tooth decay from forming. At Oakridge Dental, our team offers professional fluoride treatments to patients of all ages to accommodate a range of diverse dental needs. Get in touch with our office in Farmington, UT to schedule a dental cleaning or yearly exam with Dr. Call.