Fluoride – Is It Really Necessary
When it comes to dental fluoride, one of the most common questions we get is – does my insurance cover it? While it’s important to understand your out of pocket cost, it’s also crucial to weigh the benefits regardless. One of the aspects of dentistry that is critical to good oral health is prevention. When talking about preventing things from occurring, this allows the patient to be proactive versus reactive. We want to help stop things from happening rather than spending time and money fixing dental issues after they have occurred.
The fluoride treatment we use in office is a varnish. This type of fluoride is different than the traditional treatment you may have received in the past, as it is designed to have contact with the tooth surface longer, in order to have a better chance of penetrating the tooth. A few benefits of fluoride include: (1) the ability to remineralize, or strengthen, the enamel making it more resistant to decay; (2) antimicrobial properties to help fight the bacteria in plaque and the bacteria that cause gum disease; and (3) decreasing sensitivity in areas of tooth wear or root exposure from gum recession.
Who should receive fluoride treatments:
Patients with any restorations (fillings, crowns, veneers)
Patients with periodontal disease or any gum recession
Children/adolescents (who we know eat more sugary foods and do not have adequate oral hygiene)
Patients with dry mouth (to include patients who have had chemotherapy or head/neck radiation)
Patients with acid reflux
Patient that have lost dexterity to adequately brush and floss
Patients with sensitivity
Patients with a diet of food and drinks high in sugar content
Patient that have never had dental treatment (to prevent from getting cavities)
As you can see, fluoride is an essential part of your oral health care. The fee is typically less than $40 and can help resist larger issues from occurring, which cost hundreds to thousands to treat. Next time you are asked if you want fluoride, try to focus on the benefits for your mouth and smile long-term, rather than being influenced by whether your insurance covers it.
For more information on fluoride ask your oral health provider at your next appointment. To schedule an appointment please call 803.736.9991 or email indigo@indigodentistrycolumbia.com