What You Need to Know About Fluoride Varnish Treatments

Fluoride is an essential mineral in the battle against tooth decay. In its natural form, fluoride is found throughout the earth's crust, and released from rocks into the soil, water and air. Fortunately, its ability to be synthesized in a laboratory allows fluoride to be used as an important ingredient in most toothpastes and some mouthwashes.

In the 1930s, researchers found that people who grew up drinking naturally fluoridated water had up to two-thirds fewer cavities than people living in areas without it. Soon after, communities and cities throughout the United States - including Chicago - added fluoride to their municipal water supply. Our blog post — Fluoride: Myths and Facts - provides more information on this topic.

While you may be familiar with getting fluoride in these ways, fluoride varnish treatments typically aren’t well-publicized. This treatment applied by your dentist can be an effective line of defense for children and adults who are susceptible to cavities for a variety of reasons.

What is Fluoride Varnish?

A fluoride varnish is a concentrated form of fluoride, painted onto the top and sides of the teeth. The varnish itself is not a permanent layer - it stays on the teeth for several hours, allowing the fluoride to seep into the enamel and strengthen the teeth.

According to Colgate, “With dental-office fluoride treatments, your dentist or hygienist dries off your mouth and applies a paint, foam or varnish. Some dentists put a gel or foam into a mouthguard that you wear for a few minutes. You're asked not to eat or drink anything and to avoid smoking for 30 minutes afterward. At-home fluoride treatments for adults, mostly gels, are also available by prescription, based on your particular needs, your risk of dental decay and the level of fluoride in your local water supply.”

How Fluoride Varnish Treatments Can Protect Teeth

As WebMD explains the process, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth's enamel layer through two processes: demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth's enamel layer when acids - formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth - attack the enamel. Minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate are redeposited (remineralization) to the enamel layer from the foods and waters consumed. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization to repair the enamel layer leads to tooth decay.

Fluoride varnish treatments help to prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also can reverse early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride is incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride varnish treatments work to speed remineralization as well as disrupt acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults. According to Hinsdale Dental, such treatments can prevent tooth decay and reverse early signs of enamel damage, such as pitting and shallow caries (cavities). When used in small amounts, fluoride supplements show a 24 percent prevention of caries lesions in permanent teeth.

Who Can Benefit from Fluoride Varnish Treatments?

Fluoride varnish applications are aimed especially at children with a high risk of tooth decay. It’s not considered a primary form of treatment, but rather a complement to other fluoride treatments such as toothpaste or fluoridated water. However, adults can greatly benefit as well. Colgate provides the following list of the types of people who should ask their dentist about fluoride varnish treatments:

If you are taking medications that cause dry mouth or have a disease that causes dry mouth — Without saliva to neutralize the acids in your mouth and wash away food particles, you're more susceptible to tooth decay.

If your gums have receded or pulled away from the teeth — This gives bacteria more room to roam and hastens tooth decay.

If you wear braces — Braces and other orthodontic appliances trap a high amount of bacteria that can lead to cavities.

If you've had radiation therapy to the neck or head — Radiation damages the salivary glands, causing dry mouth.

Moreover, people who drink only spring water - which is not fluoridated —should consider fluoride varnish treatments. They have also been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of cavities among people ages 55 and over. Age is a factor, as even for those without any known medical problems, natural wear and attrition can cause gums to recede and teeth to become more vulnerable to decay

Ask Your Dentist - Your Trusted Partner in Oral Health

Fluoride varnish treatments can be an important supplemental defense against tooth decay. Scheduling regular examinations with your dentist is essential to not only early diagnosis and treatment of cavities, periodontal (gum) disease and other conditions, but for recommendations on improving and maintaining your oral health.

At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.

Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!

Dealing with Dental Anxiety

“We cater to cowards” is a common tagline that some dental practices use in their advertising to reassure those who have dental anxiety that their dentist treats such patients with compassion and understanding. However easily recognized that tagline may be, our NK Family Dental team knows that “coward” isn’t a good word. There is nothing cowardly about feeling apprehensive or frightened by dental treatment. Dental anxiety and its more severe form - dentophobia - are legitimate conditions that need to be addressed before those who experience one or the other can seek and receive the treatment necessary to achieve and maintain good oral health.

What is the Difference Between Dental Anxiety and Dentophobia?

According to studies, approximately 10% of U.S. adults struggle with dentophobia, while around 75% experience some level of dental anxiety.

Dental anxiety may be mild to moderate, typically taking the form of a general sense of worry and apprehension when thinking about an upcoming procedure. After all, most people don’t enjoy going to the dentist, just as most don’t enjoy going to the doctor. Even those who have good oral or overall health can feel uneasy about what the dentist or doctor may discover during the examination. Should the dentist diagnose an issue requiring treatment, the anticipation of an unpleasant experience can trigger feelings of dread that emotionally escalates the actual problem.

Fear of pain during treatment is a leading cause of dental anxiety. Although today’s procedures are generally painless - including the injection of numbing anesthesia - certain people have a lower pain threshold, and may require a higher dose of anesthesia. For example, it is well-documented that people with naturally red hair have a low tolerance for pain, especially in the mouth. This is because people with red hair have a gene variant called melanocortin 1 receptor. One study that looked at individuals with this gene variant found redheads were much more likely to report dental fear and avoidance - most likely out of concern for numbing and pain.

While experiencing dental anxiety isn’t easy, it isn’t debilitating. Those with mild-to-moderate levels are still able to pull themselves together enough to make and keep appointments, and follow up on needed treatments. They are able to rationalize the necessity of dental care to their oral and general health - as well as their physical appearance – as the motivation to face their fear and go through with it. Having a supportive dentist who acknowledges their patients’ stress and helps them process their emotions plays a major role in one’s ability to manage dental anxiety in a constructive way.

However, dentophobia is a very different matter. First, it is helpful to provide the medical definition of a phobia. A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal. Phobias are more pronounced than fears. They develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object. In the case of a severe phobia, the sufferer may organize their life around avoiding the thing that's causing them anxiety. As well as restricting their day-to-day life, it can also cause a great deal of distress.

According to Cleveland Clinic, dentophobia - also known as odontophobia - is a specific type of phobia in which the idea or anticipation of going to the dentist leads to a fearful response. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes dentophobia as a specific phobic disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

People who have this type of phobia will avoid seeing a dentist even when their neglect of oral health results in advanced tooth decay, periodontal disease or a potentially life-threatening infection. Ironically, such behavior results in more extensive treatment eventually being necessary - that is, the worst-case-scenario the patient so greatly feared becoming reality because the course of decay or disease has progressed too far.

Cleveland Clinic states that people who have dentophobia tend to already have one or more of the following conditions:

Anxiety disorder.
Another phobia.
Substance use disorder.
Panic disorder.

Dentophobia symptoms may include the following:

Chills.
Dizziness and lightheadedness.
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Heart palpitations.
Nausea.
Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Trembling or shaking.
Upset stomach or indigestion (dyspepsia).
Crying when thinking about visiting a dentist.
Insomnia the night before a dental appointment.

You may have this specific phobic disorder if your fear of dentists:

Occurs when you think about visiting or going to visit the dentist.
Prevents you from seeing a dentist, even when you’re in pain or need urgent treatment.
Triggers symptoms of anxiety or fear that don’t match the actual danger.
Lasts at least six months.

If you recognize yourself in the above description of dentophobia symptoms, your healthcare provider may diagnose dentophobia, and may also recommend that you see a mental health professional, such as a psychologist — who can formally evaluate your symptoms, including how the phobia impacts your daily life.

Common Triggers for Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can be triggered by the following situations:

Sitting in a dentist's chair or visiting a dentist's office.
Seeing or hearing dental instruments.
Visiting a dental hygienist or dentist.
Thinking about visiting a dentist.

In the case of those affected by dentophobia, fear would be triggered long before entering a dentist’s office - and, as stated earlier - would be so strong as to prevent them from getting that far.

Other triggers include the following:

Anesthesia — This fear may involve the process of receiving anesthesia (closely related to fear of needles), or that the anesthesia won’t be effective, and they’ll feel pain. Some people may also fear the side effects of numbing medicines, such as a temporary numbness of the lips.

Blood — Some people have a fear of seeing their own blood or others' blood (hemophobia). They may panic at the minor bleeding, or the possibility of bleeding that may occur during any dental procedure or treatment.

Choking — This involves the fear of gagging or choking when the dentist numbs their mouth. They may fear not being able to breathe or swallow.

The dentist — This is a common fear among those who have had a bad experience with a dentist - such as one who ignored signs of pain during a procedure, was verbally abusive or dismissive of the patient’s concerns. Negative experiences with a dentist in childhood may leave an especially strong emotional imprint.

Feeling pain or discomfort — Even with well-administered anesthesia, some dental procedures may result in slight pain or discomfort. People who are sensitive to pain may become anxious at the thought of feeling discomfort or pain during their dental procedure. This may include the anxiety of anticipating pain after the anesthesia wears off.

Needles — People afraid of needles may fear the injections dentists administer before dental procedures.

Noise — The noise made by dental instruments and drills used by the dental hygienist or dentist may trigger fear.

Smells — Some people may become anxious because of how the dentist’s office smells, or the specific aromas that arise during dental treatment.

How to Find a Supportive Dentist

Establishing good communication between patient and dentist is essential to having a good patient experience. This can be easier said than done, however. Some dentists may have excellent clinical and technical skills, but lack the capacity (or willingness) to talk to anxious patients in a way that acknowledges their fears and reassures them that they are in a safe place where they will be heard and treated with respect.

Our blog post - “How to Choose a Dentist” - provides a general guide. But in addition to the advice given there, those who have dental anxiety should take some additional steps to ensure they’re found the dentist who can give the professional, yet compassionate treatment they need:

Read online reviews. Despite the best efforts of any medical professional, there will always be dissatisfied patients who leave a negative evaluation. But look for the overall tone of the reviews. If the majority say the dentist put them at ease, answered their questions, explained everything step-by-step and provided a pain-free experience, this is a dentist to consider.
Schedule a consultation. Because this is only a meeting with the prospective dentist, some of the anxiety should be alleviated. Be honest with the dentist about your anxiety, and any specific anxiety triggers. Ask questions. You will know by the dentist’s demeanor and answers if he/she is able and willing to work with you. If you think the dentist is dismissive of your concerns or impatient, continue your search.

Our blog post - “Signs of Dental Anxiety and How to Control Them” - offers the following advice:

“Talk to your dentist and dental team about your feelings of anxiety. When you schedule your appointment, let the receptionist know that you’re nervous about dental visits. Remind the dentist and staff about your anxiety when you arrive. Also, tell the dentist if you have a low pain threshold, so the level of local anesthetic can be adjusted accordingly. Agree on a hand signal if you need to take a break during the exam or procedure.

“Dr. Nilofer Khan — owner and General Dentist at NK Family Dental — focuses on easing the fears of patients dealing with anxiety. She will talk with you about the exam or procedure you have scheduled, and provide a supportive, calming spa-like environment throughout the treatment.”

Dr. Khan and our entire team welcome patients who experience dental anxiety. We will take the time to address your concerns - including ensuring you receive the type of anesthesia or sedation that is best for you in order to alleviate anxiety and prevent pain during treatment. At NK Family Dental, we strive to provide a calm, reassuring environment that puts every patient at ease. It is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.

Our team of experienced, dedicated dental professionals will help address your oral health concerns, and determine the best solution for you based on your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs. Our dental specialists include Dr. Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are perhaps the most common, best-known of all dental treatments. But you really may not know as much about them as you assume! NK Family Dental is here to “fill you in” on the facts about fillings – including how tooth decay starts and progresses, how to tell if you have a cavity, types of materials used for fillings, what you can expect during your appointment for a typical treatment and, of course, how to prevent tooth decay!

How Tooth Decay Starts and Progresses

Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure. It can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth. WebMD describes the process as follows:

“Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.”

Cavities (also known as caries) deepen as tooth decay progresses. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to infection and tooth loss.

How to Tell if You Have a Cavity

Early-stage tooth decay has few obvious symptoms, so you may not be aware of it until it is somewhat far advanced. As Mayo Clinic points out, the signs and symptoms of cavities vary depending upon their size and location. Ideally, your dentist will discover an early-stage cavity during your twice-yearly examination and cleaning.

NK Family Dental is proud to offer our patients advanced cavity detection technology during every one of our complete checkups. We utilize DIAGNOdent technology to thoroughly check for the presence of cavities. DIAGNOdent utilizes lasers that are highly effective in detecting cavities. With DIAGNOdent, we are very successful in locating cavities early, allowing our patients to seek quick treatment and prevent serious oral health problems from occurring later.

If you’ve let your regular examination appointments lapse – or decay begins and rapidly advances between visits – Mayo Clinic provides these warning signs. Should you experience any of the following at any time, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible:

Toothache, spontaneous pain, or pain that occurs without any apparent cause.
Tooth sensitivity.
Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold.
Visible holes or pits in your teeth.
Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth.
Pain when you bite down.

Types of Materials Used for Fillings

Several options are available for tooth fillings, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist may recommend one specific material for your filling. If you have questions about the material, ask your dentist before the procedure. Crest provides detailed information on this topic, which follows verbatim:

“Types of tooth fillings include gold, silver amalgam (a composite of mercury, silver, and other metals), tooth-colored composite material, porcelain, and a special type of glass. The best tooth fillings for you will depend on cost, what your insurance may cover, and your aesthetic preferences. There is a wide variety of materials used for filling cavities and they vary in strength and color. The two most common types are amalgam and composite.”

Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam has been used by dental professionals for more than a century; it is the most researched material used for filling cavities. Amalgam fillings are strong and are therefore ideal for filling cavities in the back of the mouth such as in the molars, where chewing takes place. Since they are made of a combination of several metallic elements, amalgam fillings can be noticeable when you laugh or smile. These filings are among the least expensive of all cavity-filling materials.
Composite Fillings: Sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins, these fillings feature a combination of glass or quartz filler and can be made to match the color of your tooth. Composite fillings are also fairly durable and are ideal for small-to-mid-size restorations in areas of your mouth that perform moderate chewing.
Metals: Gold or silver amalgam are the most common metals used for a cavity filling. Gold fillings can cost as much as 10 times more than silver amalgam fillings, but some people prefer the appearance of gold to silver fillings if they want the durability of metal vs. a less-durable composite material. Some people don’t like the appearance of metal fillings, but metal fillings can last as long as 10-15 years before they need to be replaced.
Ceramic: A ceramic cavity filling (usually made of porcelain) is tooth-colored, and it may be less likely to show tooth stains over time than a composite cavity filling. But price is a factor – a ceramic filling can be nearly as expensive as a gold cavity filling.
Glass Ionomer: This blend of acrylic and glass is used to create a cavity filling that releases fluoride to help protect teeth. But a glass ionomer cavity filling is less durable than other types and may need to be replaced in as little as five years.

What You Can Expect During Your Appointment

Getting a filling filled people with dread in years past, but today’s procedure is painless and comfortable. At our practice, Dr. Nilofer Khan – owner and General Dentist of NK Family Dental – will discuss the details of the procedure with you, and answer any questions you may have. Once you are comfortable in the chair, she will apply a topical anesthetic gel to your gums in the area(s) to be treated. This numbs the surface of the gums in preparation for injection of the local anesthetic, which will numb the treatment area itself so that you will feel no pain during the procedure. Dr. Khan will confirm with you that the treatment site is numb before beginning.

At this point, Dr. Khan will remove the decayed portions of the tooth, as well as any existing filling material that is present (if applicable). She then carefully applies the filling substance, making sure that the cavity has been adequately sealed. Next, this material is hardened using a dental curing light, providing it with the strength and stability of a natural tooth. The process is completed by polishing and shaping the tooth to provide it with a refreshed appearance. Patients who receive a filling are able to immediately continue with their usual brushing and flossing practices following the treatment.

What to Do If a Filling Falls Out

While a filling may last indefinitely with proper care, it could crack, leak, or fall out. Often, this is the result of daily wear-and-tear, bruxism (tooth-grinding), or bad habits – such as chewing ice or biting down on hard candy. Our blog post – “Filling Fall Out?” – covers this topic in greater detail. Depending upon the location and depth of the filling, a lost filling may or may not be a dental emergency. But the situation is urgent, and the filling does need to be replaced as soon as possible. Call your dentist to make an appointment.

Cavity Prevention Tips

Preventing tooth decay involves making good oral hygiene practices part of your regular routine. WebMD provides the following advice:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste. Preferably, brush after each meal and especially before going to bed.
Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental cleaners.
Rinse daily with a fluoride-containing mouthwash. Some rinses also have antiseptic ingredients to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacks. Avoid carbohydrates such as candy, pretzels, and chips, which can remain on the tooth surface. If sticky foods are eaten, brush your teeth soon afterward.
Check with your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth.
Ask your dentist about dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars) to protect them from decay.
Drink fluoridated water. At least a pint of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect children from tooth decay.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

The Take-Home Message

Dental fillings are a common restoration that treats tooth decay and prevents its progress. Good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to your dentist can help you avoid tooth decay, or catch it at an early stage before it causes serious damage to the tooth and/or infection. Advances in dental technology have made getting a filling an easy, painless procedure, so you should not risk your oral or general health by avoiding treatment.

At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh, and our endodontist, Dr. Sabek.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon and improving your smile!