Fluoride treatment

[Mooka]

My dentist has told me he is going to coat my teeth with flouride on my next visit because I take alendronic acid. He said this is a preventive measure to keep my teeth in good condition. Surely this should be the case for everyone with or without vasculitis. Has anyone else had this treatment please?

[PatriciaAnn]

Hi Mooka

I don't know if you know, but John Mills is a retired dentist, so I reckon the best person to give you a definitive answer to this one will be John.

I also took alendronic acid and this type of treatment wasn't mentioned to me.

PatriciaAnn

[shanksy]

I saw my dentist the other day and he knows I take alendronic acid and he never mentioned this treatment. In fact he said my teeth were in very good condition. It makes me wonder if this could be a money making scam!!

[sar1980]

My dentist did this the time before last, she just said it was to help protect my teeth. It was a coating that she just rubbed in it. It tasted foul for the rest of the day, but after that I didn't notice anything at all. She didn't mention anything this time, and to be honest I never thought about it, but I did need a filling and a cap, so maybe that is why she didn't do it.

[John_Mills Volunteer]

I cannot see any logic or evidence to support this. Alendronic acid does have significant dental implications if you have a tooth extracted as it causes reduced vitality in the bone surrounding the teeth, but not otherwise and in general, one off fluoride coating does not have any special beneficial effect once you have passed adolescence. The exception to this might be if you have Sjögren's syndrome causing reduced saliva flow. This can cause increased incidence of dental caries. Even then, you would be better off using an extra strong fluoride toothpaste, like Duraphat, which is available on NHS prescription in appropriate cases.

John

[anthony01]

I saw my dentist this week and they only treated one tooth with Fluoride (Banana flavour) and have suggested that after brushing keep some toothpaste in the mouth when going to bed or to rub and leave some toothpaste on this tooth.

[roobarb]

I am not a dentist but work in a dental practice. I attended a training course along with dentists last year. We were told that there have been reports of burns to the mouth caused by alendronic acid when swallowing is difficult swallowing. These cases were in old people's homes, but presumably could be the same for anyone with swallowing problems such as dry mouth.

The result of this, is that the mouth can temporarily become an acid environment, & this is potentially damaging to the teeth. Extra fluoride will build up the strength of the teeth as a preventative measure.

You could phone your practice & ask the dentists logic behind the idea. I am sure they would be only to happen to explain, & then you could let us know too. X

[Mooka in reply to roobarb]

Thank you very much for this. I will give them a call.