Fluoride

We may in fact have previously carried out a fluoride application for you.

We want to target those who seem to be at higher risk for one reason or another. If we seem to consistently need to do fillings for you on a yearly basis or more regularly we may suggest 3 monthly fluoride applications.

Fluoride will be applied as part of your normal 6 monthly check-up. Appointments can be arranged for those of you at higher risk that may benefit from 3 monthly applications.

Additional 3 Monthly Applications

For existing patients we may contact you to arrange an appointment for this treatment if we feel you are at higher risk of tooth decay. If you feel you could benefit but you have not yet heard from us then please contact us to arrange an appointment.

In Surgery Fluoride Application what happens ?

This is a short appointment. Your teeth will be dried and a sticky fluoride gel applied to the tooth surfaces. The whole process only takes a few minutes.

After the application we advise that you don’t rinse out or eat or drink for one hour. For that night only don’t brush your teeth. The next morning you should floss and brush as normal.

How can fluoride help ?

Fluoride is a salt found naturally in the water supply in some areas of the world. It is added to the water supply in some parts of the UK. Unfortunately Anglesey and North Wales is not one of those areas. In fact it was removed from Gwynedd water over 20 years ago. As a result of this dentists in the region have seen a marked increase in the tooth decay activity.

Fluoride helps in 2 ways. Firstly it toughens the tooth surface making it more resistant to decay. It also helps to neutralize plaque bacteria that cause tooth decay. It has been accepted for over 5 years that fluoride is a valuable method of reducing decay in teeth.

Who can it help ?

Fluoride is especially helpful for certain groups of people.

[1] Children, especially those who are not good at regular teeth cleaning

[2] People with high sugar diets

[3] People who suffer dry mouths. This is because saliva helps to protect the tooth surface and in people with dry mouths there is often a much higher decay rate.

[4] Older people with more root surface exposed which is not so resistant to acid attack.

Finally, what will it cost me ?

Generally fluoride will be applied as part of your normal 6 monthly check up procedure. However, for those at risk or those who feel they would benefit we offer 3 monthly applications for adults at £10 per treatment and £5 for children.