What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and can be found in various foods and depending on where you live, may also be present in drinking water. The fluoride we are talking about, is topical not systemic ie it does not enter into the body.
What does it do?
Fluoride actually helps prevent tooth decay by making it more difficult for acids in the mouth to eat away at teeth. Most importantly, fluoride can reverse early tooth decay and help prevent cavities occurring. It also reduces the ability of plaque organisms to produce acid. In fact, toothpastes that have fluoride, reduce cavities in children by 30% and water sources that incorporate fluoridation, lower cavity rates by up to 40%!
How is it applied?
A fluoride gel or foam is applied to your child’s teeth using either small disposable trays or a brush. The whole procedure only lasts between 1-4 mins. At the Stylianou Dental Clinic, the gel we use is only required to be in contact with the teeth for 1 minute. Your child will be advised not to eat or drink for 30 mins after the treatment to increase the absorption of the fluoride. Fluoride treatment is completely pain free and is tolerated by even very young patients. The treatment should be repeated 6 monthly and is in conjunction to the use of a fluoride toothpaste at home.
How often should it be done?
The treatment should be repeated 6 monthly and is in conjunction to the use of a fluoride toothpaste at home.
Can adults have it done too?
The causes of tooth decay are the same for children and adults, therefore the same prevention options are available to adults also.
It is highly recommended for any patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, radio/chemotherapy and anyone with a dry mouth, whatever the cause.
Please feel free to contact any of our staff at the clinic if you have any other questions
Dr Konstantina Taoufik
Pedodontist
Gnathion Dental Clinic
