Fluoridation for children and adults
The main difference between systemic and topical fluorides is that systemic fluorides are swallowed and include dietary fluoride supplements and fluoridated water. On the other hand, topical fluorides are directly applied on the surface of the tooth and include fluorides treatments in the dental office, mouth rinses, and fluoride toothpaste.
To completely reduce dental caries, fluoride should be available both systemically and topically. For many decades, in-office fluoride treatments have been used to protect the oral health of adults, children and those individuals who may be at a greater risk of developing dental caries.
Systemic and Topical Fluorides
You can see results by wearing the Sheer White strips just 60 minutes a day, and it is safe to wear them up to 2 hours. Many variables affect the duration of any whitening product including diet, medications, and genetics.
Some patients will choose to whiten every 6-12 months. The manufacturer recommends a minimum wait time of 7-10 days in between Sheer White (five 2hr treatment) courses.
Factors that increase the risks of developing dental caries
The following factors contribute to the development of dental caries in most patients.
- Alcohol abuse and eating disorders
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor diet
- Active caries
- Patients undergoing neck and head radiation therapy
- Lack of regular dental care
- Tooth enamel defects
- Exposed teeth’s root surface
- Existing Restorations
- Combining orthodontic treatment with poor hygiene
- Decreased salivary flow leading to a dry mouth and
- Increased caries-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Professional Fluoride Treatment
A professional fluoride treatment can help those individuals who are at a high risk of developing dental caries. This is an important treatment since the concentration of fluoride preparation used is much stronger than the fluoride mouth rinses and toothpaste.
How it’s done?
Fluoride treatment in the dental office usually takes a few minutes. Typically, the fluoride which is in the form of varnish, foam, gel or a solution is applied topically with a brush or a cotton swab. Besides, the fluoride can be placed in a tray which is then held for a few minutes by a mouth or can be used as a rinse.
After fluoride treatment is complete, your 7 Day Dental dentist may request you not to drink, eat or rinse your mouth for an approximate 30 minutes. This is so as to give the teeth time to absorb the fluoride that will repair the dental caries areas.
Recommendations
7 Day Dental recommends fluoride treatment every three, six or twelve months depending on your oral health status as well as additional preventive measures might be advised especially if you are at a high risk of developing dental caries.
Additional preventive measures may include the use of prescription therapeutic products such as antibacterial mouth rinses, gels or fluoride mouth rinses.