By LAURA UNGAR, AP Science Author
When Tristen Boyer lately had a few cavities stuffed, her dentist instructed she get fluoride remedy afterward. She has Crohn’s illness, which places her at elevated threat for tooth decay.
“It’s something I felt like I should get done,” the 22-year-old College of Kentucky scholar mentioned. “It’s something I’m going to keep doing.”
Dentists and hygienists usually suggest fluoride therapies to sufferers within the dental chair to forestall cavities and strengthen tooth. However the comparatively easy process – which entails making use of a varnish, gel or foam on to the tooth – isn’t at all times lined by insurance coverage, particularly for adults.
So when is it value getting? Listed below are some methods to determine that out.
Who wants in-office fluoride remedy?
If there’s a excessive threat of tooth decay, then skilled fluoride therapies can assist.
But when “you haven’t seen any decay in years, you’re probably OK. What you’re doing at home is probably enough,” mentioned Dr. Robert Weyant on the College of Pittsburgh.
Apart from taking a look at cavity historical past, your dentist may ask about dangerous behaviors, corresponding to consuming a number of smooth drinks, and your oral well being routine.
Sufferers “who don’t have access to fluoridated water, don’t use fluoridated toothpaste or don’t floss regularly” could also be good candidates for fluoride therapies, mentioned Dr. Alex Daniel of Johns Hopkins College.
Remedies may profit sure teams greater than others. Ladies in menopause, for instance, expertise hormonal modifications that may result in oral well being issues. And other people taking sure drugs can get dry mouth, which suggests fewer bacteria-killing enzymes and probably extra decay.
For sufferers deemed to be in danger, dentists usually suggest therapies each three, six or 12 months.
What are the professionals and cons of fluoride remedy?
Dental fluoride prevents decay by serving to tooth enamel – the arduous outer layer of the tooth – higher resist acid attributable to micro organism within the mouth.
“Acid dissolves away tooth enamel, which weakens it – which is what makes cavities,” mentioned Ohio dentist Dr. Matthew Messina, a spokesman for the American Dental Affiliation.
Fluoride, a mineral, strengthens the enamel, making it tougher.
The scientific proof behind fluoride therapies is stronger for youngsters than adults. However whether or not the profit is stronger for youths is unsure, Weyant mentioned, as a result of there hasn’t been as a lot analysis in adults.
Dentists mentioned there aren’t any security issues concerning the remedy. The one actual facet impact is an unusual one referred to as fluorosis, a beauty discoloration of the tooth if somebody will get a bit an excessive amount of fluoride.
Dental consultants acknowledged that current opposition to fluoride in consuming water by some — together with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s new well being and human providers secretary —might give some folks pause. However even for those who use fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated water and get occasional in-office fluoride therapies, dentists mentioned you’re getting a comparatively small quantity of the mineral that poses no hazard.
Is fluoride remedy value it?
Fluoride therapies value anyplace from round $25 to $55. Although many insurers cowl the fee for youths, adults usually pay out of pocket.
Boyer, who used to get the therapies as a baby, paid $30 for her first grownup remedy. Although she needs it was lined by insurance coverage, she mentioned that’s a small worth to pay to forestall decay, costly dental procedures and attainable tooth loss.
“We only have one set of teeth,” she mentioned. “The longer you can keep them, the longer you should.”
The Related Press Well being and Science Division receives assist from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Academic Media Group and the Robert Wooden Johnson Basis. The AP is solely answerable for all content material.
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