Fluoride 4-1-1

When you ask most people what they remember most about going to the dentist as a child, the most common answer is, "That awful gel/foam in the trays that had to sit in your mouth for basically forever and gave you a stomach ache from h-e double hockey sticks."

Well, that gel/foam is what we call a fluoride treatment. While historically fluoride treatments were reserved for children, modern advancements in technologies and application methods as well as ongoing research and broadening knowledge bases have made it something for everyone.

While fluoride gels and foams still exist and are still used by some dental offices (BLECH!!) The new, more popular kid on the block is fluoride varnish. OHHH AHHHHH! Sounds fancy, eh?

Compared to its predecessors, fluoride varnish boasts many flashy new benefits.

Currently, the FDA has approved fluoride varnish for use as a cavity liner or desensitizing agent in the US. So, in English, what does this mean? It means that the FDA does not recognize fluoride varnish as an actual fluoride treatment. BUT, and this is a BIG BUT; it's a desensitizing agent!! For adults, this is a huge thing. Those of you who suffer from dentinal sensitivity due to areas of recession or from frequent whitening--this is your solution. Rather than waiting weeks to see if specialty toothpastes reveal any relief, a fluoride varnish can be applied quickly in the dental office by a dentist, hygienist or in some states, an assistant.

Now, just because the FDA has not approved fluoride varnish for caries management does not mean it isn't utilized in that way. In fact, fluoride varnish is currently the most widely used method of providing fluoride treatment. When a dental office provides a fluoride varnish as a method of caries (cavity) prevention, they are using it "off-label." Utilizing drugs for off-label purposes is nothing new, in fact, in 2006 an ADA expert panel supported the use of fluoride varnish for caries management in patients at moderate to high risk for dental cavities.

So--not only does fluoride provide desensitizing treatment but it is also effective in preventing cavities the same way as other methods of fluoride application.

Unfortunately, fluoride treatment for adults is not commonly covered by dental insurance companies. Many limit the age to 13, 16, or 18. However, as more research is coming to light showing the benefits for adults, more insurance companies are beginning to cover the treatment.

Even if varnish treatment is not covered by your insurance, it is still an affordable treatment option that should be taken into consideration by those adults who have sensitivity or moderate to high risk for cavity formation.

What to Expect From a Fluoride Varnish Treatment:

Generally, application takes mere minutes. Your teeth will be dried with air, as your saliva is what "cures" the varnish. The dental professional providing your treatment will then paint the varnish along you teeth. Refrain from closing your mouth during the procedure, but you may swallow if you need to.

As the varnish begins to dry on your teeth it will feel like you have a sticky, fuzzy coating on your teeth; similar to how it would feel if you are over due to brush! This is normal and will go away when you brush your teeth later in the day. Unlike other fluoride treatments, you are free to eat and drink right away!! NO MORE WAITING 30 MINUTES! You may, however, be advised to avoid anything hot, sticky, chewy or crunchy for around 4 hours and to refrain from drinking anything with alcohol for the day. All of these advisories are to allow the varnish to remain on your teeth as long as possible.

Still have questions about fluroide treatment and if it's right for you? Don't hesitate to ask! Contact me today!

#fluoride #hygiene #varnish #cavityprevention #healthyteeth