Neutral sodium fluoride gels, foams, varnish, and toothpaste are the forms of fluoride that the dentist can employ to prevent or lessen caries. After usage, calcium fluoride is formed in enamel by sodium and acidulated fluoride. The primary advantage of sodium fluoride, however, is that it does not etch ceramic and porcelain restorations. We will talk about the many fluoride-containing products and their applications advised by Maryville, TN dental services in this blog article.

Toothpaste

The majority of toothpastes available today include fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate. It is commonly recognized that using 1.1% sodium fluoride as a caries preventive is both safe and effective.

Fluoride Applications in One Minute versus Four Minutes

Studies keep showing that the diffusion-controlled mechanism of fluoride uptake in enamel is time-dependent and that the gel tray approach requires leaving the fluoride on the teeth for the entire four minutes. Research continues to recommend the whole four minutes, which, when utilizing the tray approach, provides the most topical effect, even though the first minute has the most fluoride.

Foams and Gels 

Fluoridated gels and foams are used to treat a variety of conditions, including high-risk caries, orthodontic patients, head and neck radiation patients, decreased salivary flow, and children whose permanent molars should be sealed but cannot. The material is applied with a mouth tray.

Varnish

Fluoride varnish offers practical advantages over gel treatments since it is easier to apply, tastes good, and consumes less fluoride. The same patient population intended for varnish is also intended for gels and foams. Furthermore, there is no evidence in the literature that professionally applied fluoride varnish increases the risk of enamel fluorosis. The varnish is applied with a brush and sets rapidly. Topical use of fluoride has demonstrated better outcomes than systemic fluoride treatment.
At-Home Gels

Certain gels are intended for use at home and are administered in a manner akin to that of toothpaste. These gels have a considerably lower fluoride content than professional products. Your teeth can be fitted with bespoke trays made by a dentist using an imprint of your teeth. After that, you may utilize this tooth imprint to give your teeth an overnight fluoride treatment.

Dental Rinses

For those who are more susceptible to dental cavities, prescription mouthwashes work better. Some young people can utilize this option, while they are generally not advised for children, especially in areas where the drinking water is fluoridated. When you bite, the material and the tray stay in your mouth. Remember to wait at least half an hour after applying anything before washing, eating, smoking, or drinking. Moreover, it will take around four minutes to complete.
You may incorporate any type of fluoride advised by your dentist in your oral hygiene care to prevent caries and for optimum oral health.