Fluoride Application

During childhood, the resistance and durability of teeth are lower compared to adults. This makes it difficult to maintain children's oral and dental health. Dentists can prevent tissue loss that may occur in the teeth of children and adults through various preventive treatment applications and increase the resistance of the teeth. Fluoride application is one of the preventive dentistry practices applied to make teeth healthy and resistant. Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan, who serves his patients in Adana, explained for you what fluoride application is and in which cases it is applied.

What is Fluoride Application?

Fluoride applications are essentially based on the principle of incorporating the fluoride element into the tooth structure and creating a protective layer for the teeth. The fluoride element integrates into the structure of the tooth enamel, preventing the destruction of tooth tissues. This makes the teeth resistant to acid attacks caused by decay-causing bacteria or various other factors.

Which Applications Are Performed to Incorporate the Fluoride Element into the Tooth Structure?

Fluoride-containing toothpastes and mouthwashes can provide fluoride support to the tooth structure. However, in order to provide effective fluoride support, a professional fluoride application by a dentist is required. Treatment applications using fluoride gels and varnishes help protect the teeth.

How is Fluoride Gel Application Performed?

First, fluoride-containing gel is applied to the teeth according to the patient's dental alignment. The gel remains in contact with the teeth for the duration determined by the dentist. Afterwards, the residual gel on the tooth surface is cleaned.

When Are Fluoride Gel and Varnish Applications Performed?

The most appropriate time for the fluoride element to connect with the dental tissues is during the child's development period. Therefore, it is more appropriate to start professional applications while the child is still in the developmental stage. It is recommended that the first fluoride application be performed before the child reaches the age of three. Afterward, it can be repeated at certain intervals depending on the child's development process and caries risk.

After the tooth development process is complete, fluoride applications cannot establish as strong a connection in the teeth as before. However, they still help prevent the mineral losses caused by factors damaging the dental tissue. Therefore, fluoride application can be used to prevent the danger of tooth decay at almost any age.

How Is Fluoride Varnish Application Performed?

Fluoride varnishes are creamy in consistency. They are applied to dried tooth surfaces using a special brush. If this varnish applied to the tooth surface contacts saliva, it dries rapidly. It adheres to the tooth surface and gradually integrates into the tooth structure, creating a protective layer.

What Should Be Done After Fluoride Gel and Varnish Application?

For the first half hour after a fluoride application using gel, the mouth should not be rinsed, and nothing should be eaten or drunk. Otherwise, maintaining the fluoride concentration becomes difficult. Milk and dairy products should not be consumed for one day, as they may reduce fluoride efficacy. It is beneficial not to brush the teeth on the day the treatment is applied. However, routine oral and dental care should be resumed starting the next day.