How Often Do You Get Fluoride at the Dentist?

Swapping to an electric brush definitely made a difference for me - less gum soreness, and I don’t get those “zing” moments as often. Technique matters, but the brush helps. I’ve tried the prescription fluoride toothpaste, actually. It’s pricier, but my dentist says it’s worth it for root sensitivity. Insurance barely covers any of it though... figures.

I totally hear you on the cost of that prescription fluoride stuff - my kid’s dentist recommended it too, and I nearly choked when I saw the price. The insurance barely helps, which is so frustrating when you’re just trying to prevent bigger problems down the road. We switched to an electric brush for my daughter last year, and honestly, her checkups have been a lot smoother since. I still get nervous about skipping the fluoride treatments at the office, though. I worry if we don’t do *everything* possible, she’ll end up with cavities anyway... sometimes it feels like you just can’t win.

I still get nervous about skipping the fluoride treatments at the office, though. I worry if we don’t do *everything* possible, she’ll end up with cavities anyway...

I get that feeling - every time I skip something, I start second-guessing myself. But honestly, I’ve skipped the in-office fluoride a couple times (mostly because of cost), and my teeth haven’t been any worse off. I think the electric brush and good habits count for a lot, even if it’s hard not to stress about it.

I totally get being nervous about skipping stuff - honestly, I’m the same way. I always worry I’ll regret it later, especially since my insurance barely covers the basics. But last year, I skipped the fluoride at my cleaning because I was trying to save a few bucks, and then I ended up with a small cavity at my next checkup. Could be coincidence, but now I kind of feel like I should just pay for the extra fluoride, even if it adds up. Maybe it’s overkill, but with my luck, I’d rather not risk it...

I totally get where you’re coming from - those little “extras” at the dentist always make me pause, especially since I’m already paying a ton for braces and my insurance barely helps. I used to skip the fluoride too, thinking it was just a sales pitch, but after getting a couple of white spot lesions around my brackets, I started saying yes every time. Out of curiosity, have you noticed if your dentist ever recommends it more when you have ortho work, or is it pretty much the same? I always wonder if it’s actually more important with braces or if I’m just being paranoid.