Totally agree about the weird flavors—why are we still pretending adults want bubblegum or cotton candy? I always ask if they have mint, but it’s hit or miss. The cost is annoying too, especially when insurance acts like it’s a luxury. I used to skip it, but after a couple cavities popped up, I started saying yes. The sensitivity thing is real for me too, though... less “zing” when I eat ice cream now. Still, I wish they’d invent a less gaggy way to do it.
Still, I wish they’d invent a less gaggy way to do it.
That part made me laugh—I’ve had my share of trying not to gag while the hygienist tells me to “just relax.” The flavors are a whole other story. I’ve been offered “cookie dough” and “marshmallow” as an adult. Not sure who requested those, but it wasn’t me.
About the cost and insurance, I get why it’s frustrating. But honestly, I used to think fluoride was kind of optional, especially since I brush with fluoride toothpaste anyway. I started skipping it for a while, mostly because I was annoyed by the price and didn’t really see the point. Thing is, I actually haven’t had any more cavities since then. Maybe I’m lucky, or maybe it’s just that my home care is pretty solid now. Either way, I’m not convinced everyone needs it every single cleaning, especially if you’re not high-risk.
The sensitivity thing is interesting though. I noticed less ice cream “zing” too after getting the treatment, but I wonder if that’s just temporary? My dentist said it can help with sensitivity, but it’s not a magic fix for everyone. Sometimes I feel like they push it a bit hard, like it’s a default add-on.
I get why people want it after cavities show up—I’ve been there, and it’s easy to feel like you should try everything to avoid another filling. But I’ve read some places only recommend it for kids or people with a lot of dental issues. Makes me wonder if we’re getting upsold a bit.
Anyway, I’m not against fluoride, but I don’t think it’s always a must-have for adults. If your teeth are healthy and you’re not super prone to cavities, maybe it’s okay to skip now and then. Just my two cents...
But honestly, I used to think fluoride was kind of optional, especially since I brush with fluoride toothpaste anyway.
Same here. I used to get the treatment every cleaning because it seemed like the “thing you do,” but after a few years with no new cavities, I started skipping it. My hygienist said it’s more important for people with a history of decay or sensitive teeth, but if your oral care is solid and you’re not high-risk, it’s not always necessary.
I’ve noticed the sensitivity benefit too, but for me it only lasted maybe a week or two. Not a game-changer long-term. The flavors are wild—last time they had “birthday cake” and it was honestly worse than the mint. Still waiting for them to just offer plain.
Insurance barely covers any of it for adults, so I get being annoyed by the cost. I’d say if you’re not getting cavities and your dentist isn’t pushing it hard, skipping once in a while probably won’t hurt anything. Just keep up with brushing and flossing—that seems to matter way more in the long run.
- Used to get the fluoride every single visit, mostly because I thought it was like getting your oil changed—just routine maintenance.
- My dentist started offering “bubble gum” flavor. I’m a grown adult, but I tried it. Regret. Tasted like a chemistry experiment.
- Honestly, after a couple years with no cavities, I started skipping it too. Didn’t notice any difference except my wallet was happier.
- I’m all about brushing and flossing anyway, so unless my teeth start acting up, I’ll just stick with the basics.
- Side note: why can’t they just make it flavorless? I’d take “neutral” over “birthday cake” any day...
I’d take “neutral” over “birthday cake” any day...
I hear you on that. Last time they had “cherry” and it tasted nothing like cherries I’ve ever had—more like cough syrup. For years I did the fluoride every visit because it just seemed like what you were supposed to do. But honestly, after decades of cleanings and no real issues, I started skipping it too. My teeth haven’t noticed the difference, but my taste buds sure have. Brushing and flossing have been my go-to, and that’s worked out fine so far. Wouldn’t mind if they just made it plain, though… these flavors are not fooling anybody.
