Fluoride treatment
Fluoride treatment
A quick, simple treatment that strengthens tooth enamel and helps keep cavities at bay, useful for children and for anyone with a higher decay risk.
What fluoride does
Fluoride is a natural mineral, found in soil, water and some foods, and added to most toothpastes and many mouth rinses. When it reaches the teeth, it strengthens the enamel, the hard outer layer that protects against decay.
It can also remineralise areas of enamel that have started to weaken, reversing very early decay before it becomes a cavity.
Fluoride in your toothpaste
Fluoride is added to most toothpastes and many mouth rinses, so brushing with a fluoride toothpaste protects your enamel every day between professional treatments.
Why a professional treatment helps
Even with regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria in our mouths produce acids that gradually wear down enamel.
A professional fluoride treatment adds an extra layer of protection against those acids, and helps repair small areas of damage before they grow into larger cavities that need more extensive treatment.
Who benefits most
Fluoride treatment is beneficial for people of all ages. Children benefit most because their teeth are still developing and are more prone to decay, and anyone with a history of decay or a condition that raises their risk can benefit too.
Especially helpful for
- Children, whose developing teeth are more prone to decay
- Anyone with a history of frequent cavities
- People with dry mouth or certain medical conditions that raise decay risk
- Patients with exposed root surfaces or early white-spot lesions
- People in orthodontic treatment, where cleaning is harder
Fluoride for children
Children gain the most from fluoride because their enamel is still developing and more prone to decay, so regular application helps guard the new teeth as they come through.
How the treatment works
Fluoride can be applied as a gel, foam or varnish. In the clinic, we use a high-concentration gel or foam applied during a routine visit.
What to expect
- Your dentist applies the fluoride gel or foam to the teeth using a small tray or a brush.
- It is left on the teeth for at least one minute so it can work into the enamel.
- The gel or foam is then rinsed off, and the whole application takes only a few minutes.
Ask about it at your visit
Fluoride treatment is a simple, quick step that helps strengthen and protect teeth from decay, especially in areas that are more prone to cavities.
We usually offer it as part of a check-up. If it has not come up at your visits, ask whether it would help you. It does not replace daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing. It adds protection on top.
Questions & answers
Fluoride treatment: common questions
Is professional fluoride treatment safe?
How often should fluoride treatment be done?
Can children have fluoride treatment?
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