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Estero Bay Dental offers in-office fluoride treatments to patients in Estero and Bonita Springs, with Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our hygiene team using fluoride as one of our proactive tools for helping keep teeth strong and cavity-free.
Even patients who brush and floss well can develop cavities in the places a toothbrush reaches least. Fluoride is one of the simplest ways to add protection to the outer surface of every tooth.
At Estero Bay Dental, Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our Estero, FL team use fluoride as one of the tools we use to be proactive in promoting good oral health. Fluoride treatments are quick, painless, and can be beneficial in preventing cavities in patients of all ages.
Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. It is a naturally occurring element that has been shown to help strengthen teeth in children and also prevent decay in people of all ages. Topical fluoride, in particular, is helpful for promoting oral health. The American Dental Association has publicly endorsed the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries, as has the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association.
Fluoride treatments are painless and can be administered in your dentist’s office at your twice-yearly check-ups and cleanings. The treatment takes only a few minutes.
Depending on your oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months. The treatment is only required between one and four times per year.
You may need fluoride treatments if your drinking water is not fluoridated or if you are experiencing certain symptoms, such as receding gums. Fluoride treatments can also provide oral support and prevent decay if you wear orthodontic appliances or are taking medications that cause dry mouth.
Fluoride works best alongside other preventive steps. This table shows how it fits with them.
| Protection | How It Helps | Where It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| In-office fluoride | Gel, foam, or varnish applied to the teeth in a tray. | At our Estero office, in a few minutes. |
| Fluoridated toothpaste | The ADA recommends it to supplement fluoridated drinking water or fluoride treatments. | At home, every day. |
| Fluoridated drinking water | Supports tooth strength throughout the day. | At home. |
| Sealants | Covers the deep grooves of back teeth with a protective resin. | At our Estero office. |
| Exams and cleanings | Removes plaque and tartar and checks for early problems. | At our Estero office, about twice a year. |
The ADA recommends supplementing your fluoridated drinking water or fluoride treatments with a fluoridated toothpaste. A few simple habits help the fluoride do its job.
| Habit | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Use a fluoridated toothpaste | Adds daily protection to every tooth surface. |
| Wait at least 30 minutes after a treatment before rinsing, eating, or drinking | Gives the teeth time to absorb the fluoride. |
| Brush twice a day and floss daily | Removes plaque so fluoride can reach the tooth surface. |
| Keep your regular visits | Lets us decide how often you need treatments. |
| Ask about preventive care for your family | Brings fluoride, sealants, and checkups into one plan. |
For more background, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains the basics of fluoride.
Estero Bay Dental accepts several PPO insurance plans, and our team will review your benefits with you before your visit. You can read more on our insurance page. If you have no insurance, our Smile Program is a discount program that lists fluoride products at a discount. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time.
Our Estero office at 21740 S Tamiami Trail #111 welcomes patients from Estero, Bonita Springs, and nearby neighborhoods such as Pelican Landing, Pelican Sound, and Coconut Point. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 1 pm, and our team speaks both English and Spanish. Our family dentistry services welcome patients ages 7 and up.
Here are answers to questions we often hear about fluoride.
Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. It has been shown to help strengthen teeth in children and prevent decay in people of all ages.
No, fluoride treatments are quick and painless. Your dentist places fluoridated gel, foam, or varnish into a tray and sets it over your teeth for a few minutes.
The treatment takes only a few minutes at your check-up and cleaning. Our Estero Bay Dental team can add it to your regular visit.
Patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Your hygienist will tell you what to do for your visit.
Depending on your oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a treatment every three, six, or 12 months. Fluoride is only required between one and four times per year.
You may need fluoride treatments if your drinking water is not fluoridated or if you are experiencing symptoms such as receding gums. Treatments can also help if you take medications that cause dry mouth.
No, fluoride can be beneficial in preventing cavities in patients of all ages. Our family dentistry services welcome patients ages 7 and up in Estero and Bonita Springs.
The ADA recommends supplementing your fluoridated drinking water or fluoride treatments with a fluoridated toothpaste. Brushing twice a day remains an important part of your routine.
Coverage varies by plan, and we accept several PPO plans. Our team will review your benefits, and patients without insurance can ask about our Smile Program discount program or our financing options.
If you would like to add fluoride to your family’s preventive plan, our Estero, FL team is ready to help. We proudly serve patients throughout Estero, Bonita Springs, and the surrounding Southwest Florida communities. We invite you to contact our office or request an appointment to schedule your visit.
