How does fluoride protect teeth?
Every time you eat or drink something with sugar or starch in it, bacteria on the teeth turn it into acid, and the acid draws minerals out of the enamel. Between meals, saliva puts some of them back. Fluoride tips that balance your way: it helps the enamel rebuild, and the rebuilt enamel stands up better to the next acid attack.
Fluoride toothpaste does this a little every day. A professional varnish is a much stronger dose, held against the teeth long enough to do more.
What happens during a fluoride varnish treatment?
It usually goes on at the end of a cleaning. The teeth are dried and the varnish is painted on with a small brush. It sets quickly once it meets saliva, and there is no tray to hold in your mouth and nothing to rinse away.
Afterward your teeth may feel slightly coated until the varnish is brushed off. Soft food and nothing hot for a while help it stay on, and we will tell you when you can brush.
Who benefits from fluoride treatment?
Children first of all, because new teeth are still hardening in the years after they come in, which is why fluoride matters so much in children's dentistry. It works alongside sealants: sealants guard the grooves, and fluoride strengthens the rest of the tooth.
Adults benefit too, when something raises the risk of decay:
- A dry mouth, often a side effect of medicines. Saliva is the mouth's own protection, and less of it means more decay.
- Receding gums. Exposed root surfaces are softer than enamel and decay more easily, and they are a common cause of tooth sensitivity.
- A lot of fillings or crowns, since the edges, where the filling meets the tooth, are where new decay tends to start.
- A history of frequent cavities, whatever the reason.
Does well water have fluoride?
If your household water comes from a private well, it may contain little fluoride. The amount depends on the ground the water comes from, and a water test is the only way to know how much yours has.
It is worth mentioning to us, especially if you have children, because it is one of the things we weigh in deciding how much fluoride their teeth need. The same goes if your family drinks mostly bottled water or uses a home filter, since some filters take fluoride out.
Is fluoride safe?
Used as directed, fluoride varnish is considered safe for children and adults, and it is widely used in both. The amount painted on is small, and because it sets quickly, very little is swallowed.
At home, the thing to watch is toothpaste with small children, who tend to swallow it. A smear about the size of a grain of rice is enough for a toddler, and a pea-sized amount for an older child, with the tube kept out of reach.
If you would rather not have fluoride, tell us. It is your decision, and we will talk through the other ways to protect the teeth.
Does insurance cover fluoride treatment?
Many dental plans cover professional fluoride for children, often up to a certain age. Coverage for adults varies, and some plans pay only when there is a reason, such as a high risk of decay. Call us with your plan details and we will tell you what applies, or see insurance for the plans we work with.
No dental insurance? Look at the Virginia Dental Club, a membership plan built for exactly that situation.
Questions patients ask
Is fluoride varnish safe for my child?
Used as directed, it is considered safe for children and is widely used. A small amount is painted on and sets quickly, so very little is swallowed. If you have concerns, ask us and we will talk them through.
How often should my child have a fluoride treatment?
For most children, at their regular checkups. A child who has had several cavities may benefit from it more often, and if we suggest that, we will explain why.
Do adults need fluoride treatment?
Not every adult. It helps most when something raises the risk of decay, such as a dry mouth, receding gums, a lot of fillings or frequent cavities. If none of those apply, we will tell you it may not add much.
What if my child swallows toothpaste?
Swallowing a little now and then is not a cause for alarm. Regularly swallowing more than the recommended amount while the adult teeth are still forming can leave faint white marks on them, which is why the amount on the brush matters. If a young child eats a large amount, call Poison Control.
Our water comes from a well. Does that matter?
It can. Well water may contain very little fluoride, and a water test is the only way to know. Mention it to us, especially for children, because it affects how much fluoride their teeth are getting.