Fluoride Treatment Costs

Tooth sensitivity is not uncommon and can be very annoying! Our favorite foods and beverages can contribute to the wear and tear of tooth enamel which leads to sensitivity and even decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is used to help strengthen and protect tooth enamel. It is not uncommon for a hygienist to have their patients swish with a fluoride rinse after they have cleaned their teeth.

Fluoride can help stop and in some minor cases, even reverse the decay process as it replaces the minerals on the surface of our teeth. There are many oral care products containing fluoride available on the market.

How much do fluoride treatments cost?

A fluoride rinse after your dental cleaning probably won’t have a fee attached to it but if you need a separate fluoride treatment, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50. Fluoride treatments are considered preventative so your dental insurance may cover a large portion or all of the cost.

Products containing fluoride for at home oral care are easily found and should not cost more than $20. One tube of toothpaste or bottle of mouthwash containing fluoride may cost between $3 and $7. You may also be able to find at home fluoride treatments that may cost between $5 and $20.

You can also purchase at-home fluoride kits that use mouth trays for application, just like they do at the Dentist’s office. Expect to pay between $7 and $40 for this product. You may also benefit from drinking tap water since most communities add fluoride to public water.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, using such products regularly can be very beneficial.

Are there any discounts available for fluoride treatments?

Perhaps! Here are a few things to look into before paying for fluoride treatments:

1. Coupons may be available in your local paper or online at the manufacturers website.
2. Your child’s school may offer free fluoride programs, especially communities with drinking water with low fluoridation. Students can participate with parental consent and will be given a fluoride rinse once a week at school.
3. Insurance can help offset the cost of fluoride treatments. Preventing tooth decay is much less costly than restoring a tooth so it is important to see your dentist regularly.

If you experience tooth sensitivity or are susceptible to decay, your dentist may decide that you are a candidate for fluoride treatments. They may suggest that you start using oral care products containing fluoride at home or even at-home fluoride treatments which are very convenient and can be very inexpensive.

Though dental insurance usually covers only two cleanings per year, some patients benefit from having three or four each year. If you are a patient that has sensitive teeth or is more susceptible to decay, your dentist may recommend that you have more cleanings per year than the standard two. Paying out of pocket for an additional cleaning or two per year will be significantly less costly than paying for the treatment of periodontal disease or any resulting restorative work that could become necessary.

More on Fluoride Treatment : Fluoride Treatment and Tooth Sensitivity