Fluoride Treatment for Adults and Kids

A professional fluoride treatment is a concentrated fluoride varnish, gel or foam that a dental team applies to the teeth, usually after a cleaning. Many dental offices offer it to children and to adults they consider at higher risk of tooth decay. The office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS in Timonium takes a different approach: for anyone who prefers to avoid fluoride, the practice offers calcium rebuilding treatments instead, to help strengthen enamel for patients of all ages.

This guide explains what fluoride treatments are and why they are so commonly used, then what the practice offers in their place for children and adults, so you can come to your visit ready to talk through the options with Dr. Haywood.

What is a professional fluoride treatment?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. At home, most people meet it in toothpaste and, in many communities, in tap water. A professional fluoride treatment is a stronger, in-office application that stays on the teeth for a short time. It usually comes in one of three forms:

• Varnish. A sticky coating painted onto the teeth with a small brush. It sets quickly on contact with saliva.
• Gel or foam. Placed in a tray that fits over the teeth, held in place for a short time, then removed.
• Rinse. A concentrated liquid swished around the mouth and spit out.

Offices that provide fluoride treatments often ask patients to avoid eating or drinking for a while afterward, so the fluoride stays in contact with the teeth.

Why fluoride treatments are commonly recommended

Tooth enamel is constantly losing and regaining minerals. When bacteria in plaque feed on sugars, they produce acids that draw minerals out of the enamel. Saliva helps put minerals back. Fluoride is widely used because it is understood to help enamel resist those acid attacks. Many dentists, pediatricians and public health organizations recommend it for that reason.

For a fuller explanation of how that process works, and how to protect enamel at home without fluoride, read how fluoride works and fluoride-free options at home.

Fluoride treatment for kids

Offices that use fluoride often offer it to children because their teeth are still coming in, their brushing is still a work in progress, and snacks and sweet drinks are a regular part of many children’s days.

Fluoride treatment for adults

For adults, fluoride treatments are commonly suggested when the risk of decay rises. Typical reasons include dry mouth, often as a side effect of medications; receding gums that expose the softer root surfaces; a history of frequent cavities; many fillings or crowns with edges where decay can start; and braces or other appliances that make cleaning harder.

Why this practice takes a different approach

Dr. Haywood practices holistic dentistry, choosing dental materials and treatments with the whole body in mind. As part of that approach, the practice avoids mercury, nickel and bisphenol plastics. Some patients look for a holistic dentist precisely because they would rather not have fluoride applied at their visits; others simply want to understand their choices.

Avoiding fluoride doesn’t mean leaving enamel unprotected. The practice uses other ways to strengthen teeth, seal out bacteria and catch decay early. Learn more about holistic dentistry at the practice or read the benefits of holistic dentistry.

What the practice offers instead of fluoride treatments

Calcium rebuilding treatments

In place of fluoride treatments, non-fluoride calcium rebuilding treatments are offered to help strengthen enamel for patients of all ages. Dr. Haywood can explain what the treatment involves at your visit and whether it suits your teeth.

Super sealants

Super sealants completely seal the chewing surfaces and all the pits and fissures of adult and children’s teeth, so bacterial byproducts and simple sugars can’t be harbored there. That helps prevent cavities in the enamel. The process is simple and painless, and the practice offers a lifetime warranty.

Xylitol

Xylitol mints and lollipops also help reduce decay risk. They are an easy addition for children and adults alike.

Thorough cleanings

Cleaning appointments at the practice last a full 60 minutes, giving the hygienist time to remove plaque and tartar thoroughly and check the health of your gums. A professional cleaning every six months is recommended.

Finding decay at its earliest stages

Digital X-rays appear on screen right away and use less radiation than standard dental X-rays. DIAGNOdent laser detection can find decay at its earliest stages, sometimes before it shows on an X-ray, which gives prevention a chance before a filling is needed. See the practice’s dental technology.

For children: building protection without fluoride

For children, the practice’s approach centers on super sealants for the back teeth, calcium rebuilding treatments, xylitol and regular cleanings, alongside good habits at home. If a cavity is found, fillings are tooth-colored and mercury-free, and a comfortable micro-air filling process is available for people of all ages. A parent or legal guardian must be present during the consultation of a patient under 18, so you’ll be there to ask questions and talk through choices.

For more on protecting children’s teeth, read how to prevent cavities in children, are childhood cavities inevitable? and has your child visited a dentist?

For adults: when decay risk rises with age

Decay rates increase with age, and medications and dry mouth can set the stage for root decay. That is exactly the situation in which many offices would suggest fluoride. Here, calcium rebuilding treatments, xylitol, careful cleanings and early detection fill that role. Gum health matters too: receding gums expose root surfaces, and the practice’s non-surgical gum care removes the bacteria behind gum infection. Read why dry mouth is dangerous for your teeth and learn about gum disease treatment.

Questions to talk through with Dr. Haywood

• How high is my risk of decay, or my child’s, right now?
• Would calcium rebuilding treatments help my teeth, and how often would I need them?
• Are sealants a good idea for my teeth or my child’s?
• What should I look for in a toothpaste that fits a fluoride-free approach?
• Is dry mouth, a medication or receding gums raising my risk?

Paying for preventive care

The practice is out of network with all dental insurance providers. You pay at the time of your visit, and the office files the claim on your behalf so your plan can reimburse you for whatever it covers. Health savings and flex plans are welcome, and financing is available through CareCredit, with no-interest options for up to 12 months, and Cherry, with plans from 3 to 24 months. See financing options.

Frequently asked questions

Does the practice offer fluoride treatments?

No. Fluoride is optional here: patients who prefer to avoid it can have calcium rebuilding treatments instead. Calcium rebuilding treatments are offered instead to help strengthen enamel for patients of all ages, along with super sealants and xylitol mints and lollipops.

Do adults need fluoride treatments?

Offices that use fluoride usually suggest it for adults at higher risk of decay, such as people with dry mouth or exposed roots. If that describes you, ask Dr. Haywood about the non-fluoride options for strengthening enamel and lowering your risk.

Are calcium rebuilding treatments available for children?

Yes. The practice offers calcium rebuilding treatments to help strengthen enamel for patients of all ages, children included.

What if I’ve had fluoride treatments before?

That is common, and it doesn’t change how you’re welcomed as a patient. Bring your questions to your visit, and Dr. Haywood will explain the options available here so you can decide what feels right for you.

Talk through your options in Timonium

If you want to protect your enamel, or your child’s, without fluoride, or simply want to understand the choices, book a visit. Request an appointment or call (410) 453-9399. The office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS is at 108 W Timonium Rd, Ste 200, Timonium, MD 21093, serving Timonium, Towson, Hunt Valley, Pikesville and Baltimore. Learn more about general dentistry and dental cleanings and preventive care.