Fluoride Application
L’application de vernis fluorés fait partie des traitements préventifs de santé bucco-dentaire. Le fluorure est un minéral qui renforce l’émail des dents et le rend résistant à la carie, prévenant ainsi la carie dentaire. Il est particulièrement recommandé aux enfants à haut risque de carie.
How is Fluoride Varnish Applied?
Fluoride application, which should be done every 4-6 months in children, is a simple procedure performed under the supervision of a dentist. Before the application, the teeth should be brushed. After the tooth surface is cleaned of food and plaque residues, fluoride gel or varnish in the form of a preparation is applied to the teeth after they are dried and isolated from saliva. Fluoride varnish, available in single-use packages, is applied by the dentist to the slightly moist tooth surface for 2-4 minutes.
What Should Be Done After Fluoride Varnish Application?
After the application, the patient should avoid certain foods for 1-2 hours. It is advisable to consult your doctor regarding eating and drinking substances. Since it is an application made only to the tooth surfaces, it is performed safely in a clinical setting without any side effects.
What is the Effect of Fluoride on Teeth?
Fluoride contributes to the formation of quality enamel in terms of protection against decay by ensuring healthy development and good mineralization during enamel formation.
Fluoride can easily replace OH-ions in the apatite structure or fill in the missing OH-ions, forming a more resistant structure called fluorapatite. This makes the tooth enamel less soluble in acids.
Fluoride reduces the solubility of enamel and supports remineralization. After the teeth erupt, fluoride acts locally. This effect can be achieved through fluoride toothpaste, fluoride mouth rinses, fluoride gels, and fluoride varnishes.
What is Fluoride Gel?
Fluoride gel is a decay-preventing agent applied to tooth enamel. With the effect of fluoride, tooth enamel becomes more resistant and harder against microorganisms. This results in stronger tooth enamel.
The most commonly used forms of fluoride gel are APF (acidulated phosphate fluoride) and Sodium Fluoride. These gels, available in various flavors for children, provide an extremely comfortable, simple, and painless application.
How is Fluoride Gel Applied?
Fluoride gel is placed in special spoons designed for children and kept in the mouth for 4 minutes. After the procedure, the excess fluoride gel is removed with a saliva absorber, and the child spits out the remaining excess gel. Mouth rinsing, eating, and drinking should be avoided for half an hour. In addition, Milk and Daily Product should not be consumed until the next morning.
What is Fluoride Varnish? An Effective Dental Treatment for Preventing Tooth Decay
Fluoride varnish is a critical dental treatment that helps to prevent tooth decay, slow its progression, or stop it completely. Composed of fluoride, a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, fluoride varnish is a preferred choice for preventive dental care.
Composition of Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride varnish contains about 5% sodium fluoride in a resin or synthetic base. This highly concentrated formulation adheres to the teeth and effectively works to reinforce enamel.
Application of Fluoride Varnish
- Professional Application: The varnish is typically applied by a dentist or dental hygienist.
- Procedure: Teeth are dried, and then the varnish is applied using a brush. It hardens quickly upon contact with saliva.
- Frequency: Applications may be repeated once or twice a year, depending on the individual’s risk of cavities.
Benefits of Fluoride Varnish
- Cavity Prevention: Fluoride varnish is effective at preventing decay in both primary (baby) and permanent teeth.
- Early Decay Treatment: It also helps to halt the progression of early tooth decay.
- Safety of Use: Its varnish formulation minimizes the risk of ingestion, making it ideal for children.
Safety Considerations
Fluoride varnish is considered safe and effective when used as directed. It is specially formulated to minimize the risk of ingestion, providing a safe option for children.
Recommendations
The American Dental Association recommends the application of fluoride varnish as soon as the first tooth appears in a child to effectively combat tooth decay. It is also recommended for adults at high risk of cavities.