Fluoride Treatment

Dentists have been using fluoride treatments to help prevent tooth decay for decades. You’ll find fluoride in some foods and your water supply.

We can treat you or your child with fluoride using one of two methods.

Topical Fluoride

During this treatment, we apply Fluoride to all teeth that are through the gums (erupted). Fluoride is present in most toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market today. However, children's teeth need the added help of fluoride treatments from their dentist to prevent cavities.

The American Dental Association advises that it is safe for children to drink water with fluoride in it and to have fluoride treatments at their dentist every six months. Pascack Dental Arts follows this recommendation and will advise parents to have children undergo topical fluoride treatment at regular cleanings.

Systemic Fluoride

In most places, you’ll get fluoride through tap water. Ingesting fluoride helps both the teeth that have erupted and those still developing under the gums. However, people who drink bottled water without fluoride or live in an area without fluoride added to the water supply might need supplements.

Your dentist can prescribe fluoride supplements in drops, gels or tablets from infancy through the teen years. Before starting any sort of fluoride treatment with your children, you should consult your dentist as ingesting too much fluoride can cause fluorosis. This is a condition where there are white spots on your child’s teeth.

Based on the health and wellness of your teeth, your dentist might determine that the fluoride in your water is not enough to protect your teeth. Your dentist might recommend fluoride treatments if he or she sees these symptoms.

Fluoride is a part of a healthy oral hygiene regimen. It does not prevent tooth decay alone! You should still brush twice a day, floss, avoid sugary foods, eat well and see your dentist regularly.