Skip to main content

Preventive care

Fluoride treatment in Saratoga Springs

Enamel loses and regains minerals every day. A fluoride treatment at the office gives that repair work a boost, which can help your teeth hold up against cavities.

Call (385) 396-5839Insurance and payment

What does a fluoride treatment do?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps rebuild weak spots in your enamel. An office treatment is much stronger than what is in toothpaste. It can make teeth more resistant to the acids that cause decay.

  • Takes just a few minutes during a regular visit
  • Often suggested for kids at their twice-a-year checkups
  • Also helpful for adults with dry mouth or a history of cavities

Who fluoride can help

Kids and teens get the most attention here. From about six months to 16 years, baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. Extra fluoride during those years can help new teeth start out strong.

Grown-ups may want it as well, mainly if you:

  • Have had several cavities in the last few years
  • Live with dry mouth, which can come from many common medicines
  • Notice your gums have shrunk back, showing part of the root
  • Have deep grooves in your back teeth
  • Wear braces, which make it harder to keep teeth clean
  • Have a lot of crowns or fillings with edges where decay can start

At your checkup, your dentist or hygienist looks at your cavity risk and tells you whether a treatment makes sense. If it does not, you will not be pushed into one.

How a fluoride treatment works

  1. Clean teeth first. Fluoride is usually placed right after your cleaning, so it reaches the enamel directly.
  2. Apply. Your hygienist either paints a varnish onto your teeth or fills a soft tray with foam or gel for you to bite into for a few minutes.
  3. Finish. With a tray, any extra is cleared away. With varnish, a thin, slightly sticky layer stays on your teeth for a few hours.

That is it. No numbing, no drilling. Many kids find the hardest part is waiting to snack afterward.

Fluoride works well alongside dental sealants. Fluoride strengthens the whole tooth surface. Sealants cover the deep grooves on chewing surfaces where food tends to get stuck.

After your treatment

  • Wait at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink. Your hygienist may suggest a longer wait depending on the product used.
  • After varnish, choose soft foods and skip hot drinks until tomorrow.
  • Skip brushing until bedtime or the next morning if you are told to, so the fluoride has time to soak in.
  • Keep using a fluoride toothpaste at home. A pea-sized amount is plenty for kids over three.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about fluoride treatment

How often should I get fluoride at the dentist?
It depends on your cavity risk. Some people benefit from it at each cleaning, a few times a year. Your dentist will suggest a schedule that fits your needs.
Is in-office fluoride safe for kids?
Yes, when it is applied by a dental professional in the right amount. Varnish is often used for young children because only a tiny amount is needed and it stays put.
Do I need fluoride if my water has it?
Tap water and toothpaste give a small daily dose. A professional treatment is stronger and may still help if you are prone to cavities.
Is fluoride covered by insurance?
Many plans cover fluoride for children. Coverage for adults varies from plan to plan. To see which plans we take, visit our insurance page.

Related care

You may also want to know about

Dental Sealants

A thin, clear coating on back teeth that helps keep food and germs out of deep grooves.

About dental sealants

Questions?

Call to book your visit

Our Saratoga Springs team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

Call (385) 396-5839Get directions