Fluoride Treatment: Types, Benefits & Risks

What are fluoride treatments?

Fluoride treatment is a preventive dental care procedure that helps improve your oral health. It is a natural mineral that is applied to your teeth to keep them protected from cavities or tooth decay.

Every day, the outer layer of your tooth called the enamel gains and loses minerals (a process known as remineralisation and demineralisation, respectively). Your enamel layer demineralises due to the formation of acids made by the cavity-causing bacteria, plaque and acidic foods such as sugars. Tooth decay occurs when your enamel is excessively worn down due to a high production of acids in your mouth.

By using dental fluoride, your dentist ensures that your enamel remains safe from excessive demineralization. This makes your teeth resistant to acid attacks and reverses signs of early decay.

Topical fluoride treatments

Fluoride treatments by a dental professional include topical application, which means that it involves direct contact with the teeth. These are used as a preventive measure for those who have a risk of cavity formation. The concentrations of fluoride are carefully administered to keep the doses at optimal levels.

Below are the different types of topical fluoride treatments:

Fluoride varnish

• Description: 

  • A highly concentrated fluoride solution is applied to the teeth in the form of a varnish. It is typically painted directly onto the surface of the teeth.

• How it is applied: 

  • The application of fluoride varnish involves brushing the fluoride onto the teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist, and it hardens quickly, allowing it to stay in place for several hours. This allows the fluoride to be absorbed into the tooth enamel.

• Duration: 

  • The varnish stays on the teeth for about 4-6 hours, during which time you should avoid eating or drinking hot foods or beverages.

Fluoride gel or foam

• Description

  • Fluoride gel or foam is typically applied in a tray that is placed in the patient's mouth for a few minutes.

• How it is applied

  • A dentist or hygienist places the gel or foam in a mould that fits over your teeth. The fluoride then stays in contact with the teeth for several minutes, allowing it to be absorbed into the enamel.

• Duration 

  • The application lasts around 4 minutes, and the treatment is often repeated several times during an appointment.

Fluoride rinse

• Description

  • A fluoride mouthwash is typically used in dental offices or prescribed for home use.

• How it is applied

  • After brushing, a small amount of fluoride mouth rinse is swished around the mouth for about a minute and then spat out.

• Duration

  • Typically, a daily rinse for a prescribed period (usually a week or more) may be recommended for those at higher risk of decay.

Fluoride toothpaste

• Description

  • The most common and easiest form of fluoride treatment, fluoride toothpaste is used during brushing on a daily basis.

• How it is applied

  • Simply apply the toothpaste to a toothbrush and brush the teeth as usual.

• Duration

  • This is a daily treatment that helps maintain fluoride levels in the enamel to prevent cavities.

For personalised advice regarding which treatment type would serve you the best, you may consult with our dentists from Thomson Medical. 

Benefits of fluoride treatment

Fluoride treatment is an important part of your oral care routine, which can help your weakened enamel reverse its damage. The common benefits of fluoride include:

• Prevents tooth decay

  • Fluoride strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars in the mouth, which can lead to cavities.

• Reverses early stages of tooth decay: 

  • Fluoride can help reverse the earliest stages of tooth decay (demineralisation), where the enamel starts to lose minerals, but no visible cavity has formed on the tooth surface yet.

• Strengthens tooth enamel: 

  • Fluoride helps remineralise an enamel layer that has been weakened by acids, making it more resistant to further decay.

• Helps with sensitivity: 

  • Fluoride treatments can help reduce tooth sensitivity by reinforcing enamel and protecting the underlying nerve endings that make your teeth sensitive.

• Reduces the risk of cavities: 

  • Fluoride treatments are particularly beneficial for people who are at higher risk of cavities, such as children, older adults, people with dry mouth, and those with braces or other orthodontic appliances.

Who should get fluoride treatments?

• Children

  • Children who have newly erupted permanent teeth (around ages 6–16) benefit greatly from fluoride treatments because their enamel is still developing and more susceptible to decay.

• Adults at higher risk of tooth decay

  • Individuals with a high sugar diet.

  • People with dry mouths (due to medical conditions or medications).

  • People with existing cavities or dental restorations such as dental implants and dental crowns.

  • People undergoing orthodontic treatments, as braces can make it difficult to clean teeth thoroughly and decline dental health.

Potential risks and side effects

Excessive fluoride exposure has side effects that are highly dangerous for your overall health. The risks of fluoride use above adequate levels include:

• Dental fluorosis

  • While fluoride is beneficial in preventing decay, too much fluoride (especially in children under the age of 6) can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis, which causes fluoride-induced tooth discolouration or white spots. It’s important to follow your dentist’s advice, especially regarding using fluoride for children.

• Fluoride toxicity

  • Swallowing large amounts of fluoride treatments can be harmful, so it’s essential to avoid swallowing fluoride varnishes or gels during treatments. Consumption of large amounts can lead to adverse effects, including fluoride poisoning.

FAQ

Are fluoride treatments effective?

Fluoride treatments are an effective and safe way to help prevent tooth decay, strengthen enamel, and reverse early stages of dental decay. They are great for people with high risk of cavities and those with orthodontic appliances for teeth straightening. Regular fluoride use in the form of toothpaste or professional treatments can play a significant role in maintaining optimal oral health.

Can I consume fluoride in daily life?

Yes, you can obtain fluoride in your daily life where it directly enters your bloodstream through edible consumption. This is systemic fluoride intake. There are various common sources, including fluoridated water, fluoridated supplements, and trace amounts in food that can reduce the incidence of cavities.

How often should fluoride treatments be done?

• Adults: Typically done once or twice a year, based on individual risk factors.

• Children and Teens: Recommended once or twice a year, with frequency adjusted for higher cavity risks

Is fluoride in drinking water safe?

Yes, it is safe as long as the concentration of fluoride is within the safe limit for both children and adults. In Singapore, you have access to fluoridated public water supply as a preventive measure to prevent tooth decay.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist by requesting an appointment with Thomson Medical today.