We all remember the 1980s and mandatory fluoridation treatments at school, when every student with a toothbrush in hand was waiting for the opportunity to leave the lesson and politely followed the hygienist to the school bathroom to have their teeth fluoridated. Back then, fluoridation was associated with something unpleasant and forced.
Nowadays, fluoridation is a widely available treatment that can be performed not only in the dentist's office but also at home. Moreover, preparations containing fluoride have a pleasant taste and smell.
Fluoridation is a treatment that helps fight tooth decay. By applying a preparation with a high concentration of fluoride to the teeth, the teeth are strengthened. Fluoride combined with enamel creates a protective barrier against bacteria that cause enamel and tooth diseases. In addition to the fact that fluoride disturbs the metabolism of bacteria ubiquitous in dental plaque, it closes exposed dental tubules, thus reducing tooth hypersensitivity. Due to its bactericidal properties, fluoride is used not only in fluoridation preparations, but also in toothpastes.
Fluoridation in the dental office is performed using preparations in the form of varnish - this procedure is called tooth varnishing; gel or paste applied with a brush or eraser; foam applied to the teeth by using special rubber trays.
The action of all the above-mentioned preparations is the same, but the best results are achieved when using varnish because it stays on the teeth the longest. Unfortunately, this type of treatment is not pleasant because it leaves a feeling of a rough coating on the teeth. The most pleasant type of fluoridation is foaming, due to the possibility of choosing the flavor of the foam. This procedure is a favorite dental treatment for children.
Fluoridation treatment can be combined with other preventive treatments to prevent caries, including the removal of tartar - the so-called scaling and sandblasting. These treatments should be performed systematically, at least once a year. In people susceptible to caries, hygiene treatments with fluoridation should be performed every 6 months.
The author of the entry is: manager Marta Niemiec-Fiutowska