AP – When Tristen Boyer recently had a couple of cavities filled, her dentist suggested she get fluoride treatment afterward. She has Crohn’s disease, which puts her at increased risk for tooth decay.
“It’s something I felt like I should get done,” the 22-year-old University of Kentucky student said. “It’s something I’m going to keep doing.”
Dentists and hygienists often propose fluoride treatments to patients in the dental chair to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. However, the fairly straightforward process – which entails using a varnish, gel, or foam directly on the teeth – is not always insured, particularly for adults.
So when is it worth getting? Here are some ways to figure that out.
Who needs in-office fluoride treatment?
If there’s a high risk of tooth decay, then professional fluoride treatments can help.
But if “you haven’t seen any decay in years, you’re probably OK. What you’re doing at home is probably enough,” said Dr. Robert Weyant at the University of Pittsburgh.
In addition to examining cavity history, your dentist might inquire about harmful practices, like consuming plenty of soft drinks, and your dental care routine.
Patients “who don’t have access to fluoridated water, don’t use fluoridated toothpaste or don’t floss regularly” may be good candidates for fluoride treatments, said Dr. Alex Daniel of Johns Hopkins University.
Some groups may gain more benefits from treatments than others. Women in menopause, for instance, experience hormonal changes that may result in oral health problems. Individuals taking certain medications may get dry mouth, resulting in a reduction of bacteria-killing enzymes and potentially more decay.
For patients deemed to be at risk, dentists generally recommend treatments every three, six or 12 months.
What are the pros and cons of fluoride treatment?
Dental fluoride combats decay by aiding tooth enamel – the hard outer layer of the tooth – in resisting acid produced by bacteria in the mouth.
“Acid dissolves away tooth enamel, which weakens it – which is what makes cavities,” said Ohio dentist Dr. Matthew Messina, a spokesman for the American Dental Association.
Fluoride, a mineral, strengthens the enamel, making it harder.
The scientific evidence for fluoride treatments is stronger for children than adults. However, it is unclear if the advantage is greater for children, according to Weyant, since there has been less research conducted on adults.
Dentists said there are no safety concerns regarding the treatment. The only real side effect is a rare condition called fluorosis, which causes a cosmetic discoloration of the teeth if someone receives excessive fluoride.
Dental experts acknowledged that recent resistance to fluoride in drinking water by some — including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s new health and human services secretary — may cause some people to reconsider. However, even if you use fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated water and receive sporadic in-office fluoride treatments, dentists claim you’re receiving a relatively small amount of the mineral that presents no risk.
Is fluoride treatment worth it?
Fluoride treatments range in price from approximately USD25 to USD55. While numerous insurers cover the expenses for children, adults typically bear the costs themselves.
Boyer, who received treatments as a child, paid USD30 for her first adult therapy. While she hopes it would be insured, she mentioned that it’s a minor cost to avoid deterioration, costly dental work, and potential tooth loss.
“We only have one set of teeth,” she said. “The longer you can keep them, the longer you should.”
