Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride Treatment

Strengthen & Protect Your Smile

Fluoride is a powerful, natural mineral that plays a crucial role in preventing cavities and strengthening tooth enamel. At Sleep Dentistry, we offer professional fluoride treatments for children and adults in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, to help protect teeth against decay and long-term damage.

What Is Fluoride & Why Is It Important?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, certain foods, and dental products. It helps to:

✔ Strengthen Tooth Enamel – Reinforces weakened areas of the teeth, making them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and bacteria.

✔ Prevent Cavities – Reduces the risk of tooth decay by remineralizing enamel and stopping early-stage cavities from worsening.

✔ Protect Against Sensitivity – Helps shield exposed dentin and roots, reducing discomfort from hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.

✔ Support Children’s Oral Health – Essential for developing teeth, fluoride strengthens enamel as children grow.

✔ Complement Daily Oral Care – Even with regular brushing and flossing, fluoride treatments provide an extra layer of defense against decay.

How Fluoride Treatments Work

Fluoride treatments at Sleep Dentistry are quick, painless, and highly effective. The process involves:

Flouride Treatment Application

Cleaning & Preparation

Before applying fluoride, our dental team will clean your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar buildup, ensuring maximum absorption.

Fluoride Application

We apply fluoride in one of the following forms:

  • Fluoride Varnish – A concentrated gel brushed onto the teeth that quickly hardens upon contact with saliva.
  • Fluoride Gel or Foam – Applied using a soft tray that fits over your teeth for a few minutes.
  • Fluoride Rinse – A high-strength mouth rinse swished around the mouth for a set time.
Flouride Treatment Application

How Fluoride Treatments Work

Fluoride treatments at Sleep Dentistry are quick, painless, and highly effective.
The process involves:

1. Cleaning & Preparation

Before applying fluoride, our dental team will clean your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar buildup, ensuring maximum absorption.

2. Fluoride Application

We apply fluoride in one of the following forms:

  • Fluoride Varnish – A concentrated gel brushed onto the teeth that quickly hardens upon contact with saliva.
  • Fluoride Gel or Foam – Applied using a soft tray that fits over your teeth for a few minutes.
  • Fluoride Rinse – A high-strength mouth rinse swished around the mouth for a set time.

3. Post-Treatment Care

After fluoride application, we recommend:

✔ Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow full absorption.

✔ Continue good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice daily and flossing once a day.

✔ Use fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash at home for added protection.

Thinking about dental procedure

How Often Should You Get Fluoride Treatments?

Thinking about dental procedure

Most patients benefit from a fluoride treatment every six months as part of their regular dental checkup. However, those at higher risk for cavities may need more frequent treatments based on their dentist’s recommendation.

Safe & Effective Preventive Care

Fluoride treatments are safe, non-invasive, and backed by decades of research proving their effectiveness in reducing cavities. The American Dental Association (ADA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorse fluoride as a vital component of preventive dental care.

Who Can Benefit from Fluoride Treatments?

While fluoride is beneficial for everyone, certain individuals may need additional fluoride protection, including:

  • Children and teens with developing teeth
  • Adults prone to cavities or tooth sensitivity
  • Patients with dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases decay risk
  • Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners, retainers)
  • Patients with a history of gum disease, as recession exposes tooth roots
  • Individuals with existing dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or fillings
Flouride Treatment Application

Protect Your Smile with Professional Fluoride Treatments

Flouride Treatment Application

At Sleep Dentistry, we’re dedicated to helping patients of all ages maintain strong, healthy teeth. Our fluoride treatments provide long-lasting protection against cavities and enamel erosion, ensuring a brighter, healthier smile.

Schedule your fluoride treatment today at our Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA locations and take a proactive step toward better oral health!