Fluoride treatments are most commonly used as a means of desensitizing exposed root surfaces here at the office of Dr. Hank D. Michael. If you have an exposed root surface near your gum line that is causing intense sensitivity to hot or cold, a fluoride treatment can help to seal off the tubules that are causing you to have that pain.
The fluoride varnish comes in a white tooth-colored gel that we paint onto the affected area. The gel hardens onto your tooth and releases concentrated fluoride onto root surfaces to seal off dentin tubules on your roots and relieve your hypersensitivity. For the best results you should leave the fluoride varnish on your teeth for a 4 to 6 hour treatment period. The varnish is easily removed by thorough brushing and flossing, after treatment is complete. After leaving the office, try to eat a soft food diet during the treatment and avoid hot drinks and products containing alcohol (i.e.: beverages, oral rinses, etc.).
Fluoride treatments can also be used to prevent or slow tooth decay. Some patients are more susceptible to decay for various reasons. Reasons may include: xerostomia (dry mouth), increased sugar intake (high calorie drinks or throat lozenges containing sugar), deep crevices and grooves in the teeth, and poor oral hygiene. Regardless of the reason, fluoride works wonders by binding with the tooth enamel making it harder for dental bacteria to dissolve. In addition, fluoride inhibits plaque's ability to breakdown sugars - slowing the negative effects of the dental plaque.