Risks and Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment has sparked lots of controversy in general dentistry in the past. Medical researchers have termed the ingestion of fluoride to be unsafe. Fluoride treatment is safe when used as directed by your dentist. However, it can be hazardous when used at high dosage levels. Below are the risks of not using fluoride in the right amounts.

Fluoride can be found in water, toothpaste, fluoride supplements, and also topically applied on your teeth. A dentist in Chicago, Illinois, will advise you on whether you need a fluoride treatment or not, before carrying out the procedure.  

What Are the Risks of Fluoride Treatment?

If used in high amounts, fluoride can be toxic. You can get too much fluoride by accidental overdose or incorrect prescriptions. Here are the risks excessive fluoride poses to your body and teeth:

• Fluorosis causes teeth staining especially in children below the age of six

• White specks on permanent teeth especially among adults

• Causes formation of dense bones that are weak

• Bone homeostatic problems

Overdose of fluoride supplement pills can cause acute toxicity with the following signs:

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Excessive sweating

• Nausea

In rare cases, an overdose can lead to death. Ensure you keep away fluoride supplements from children to prevent such cases.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment

Shafeeq H. Bader, a dentist in Chicago, recommends fluoride treatment for the following reasons:

• Fluoride restores minerals that might have been eroded by microbes

• It also inhibits the growth of  harmful bacteria in the mouth thus preventing cavities

• Prevents tooth decay from penetrating the deeper parts of the teeth

• A fluoride treatment in children prevent tooth decay and cavities thus maintaining healthy teeth

Do You Still Need to Use Toothpaste After Fluoride Treatment?

After a fluoride treatment the procedure, you will still need to use fluoride toothpaste for your oral hygiene.

Recommendations

Your dentist in Chicago recommends some practices to ensure fluoride intake or fluoride treatments are not harmful and are effective. Below are the recommendations:

• Ensure you use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste while brushing your teeth

• Your children should take the right dosage of fluoride supplements as prescribed by your dentist

• Supervise your kids when they are brushing their teeth to ensure they do not swallow toothpaste

• If you don’t need fluoride treatment such as fluoride varnish and supplements use other options of fluorides such as toothpaste and fluoridated water

• Keep out fluoride supplements out of children reach

• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups