When Tristen Boyer visited her dentist to fill a couple of cavities, she was advised to consider fluoride treatment due to her heightened risk of tooth decay from Crohn’s disease. The 22-year-old student from the University of Kentucky felt it was a necessary step and decided to incorporate it into her dental regimen.
Fluoride treatments are commonly recommended by dentists and hygienists to help prevent cavities and enhance dental health. This straightforward procedure involves applying a coat of varnish, gel, or foam directly onto the teeth. However, insurance coverage for this treatment varies, particularly for adults, leading many to wonder whether it’s a worthwhile investment.
Determining the need for in-office fluoride treatment primarily depends on a person’s risk of developing cavities. According to Dr. Robert Weyant from the University of Pittsburgh, if a patient hasn’t had cavities in years, their existing oral care routine might be sufficient. However, if there’s a history of decay, individual behaviors like frequent consumption of soft drinks, and an oral care routine that lacks fluoridated toothpaste or regular flossing, fluoride treatment might be beneficial.
Certain individuals, such as menopausal women experiencing hormone-induced oral changes, or patients taking medication that causes dry mouth, may particularly benefit from fluoride. Dentists generally recommend treatments at intervals of three, six, or twelve months for those at risk.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps fortify tooth enamel against acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. This prevents the enamel from weakening and developing cavities. Dr. Matthew Messina, a dentist from Ohio and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, emphasizes that fluoride treatment’s efficacy in strengthening teeth is well-documented, especially in children. However, comprehensive evidence for adult benefits is still limited.
While fluoride treatments are regarded as safe, mild side effects like fluorosis—a rare cosmetic discoloration—can occur from excess fluoride. Concerns have been raised recently about fluoride, notably in drinking water, but dental professionals reassure that the amounts from toothpaste, water, and treatments are minimal and safe.
The cost of fluoride treatment typically ranges from $25 to $55, with many insurers covering children’s treatments but often not adults. Boyer, who paid $30 for her first adult fluoride treatment, reflected on its importance for preventing more costly dental issues in the future. “We only have one set of teeth,” she noted. “Preserving them for as long as possible is crucial.”
