Fluoride treatment

How does a fluoride treatment work?

During a fluoride treatment, we apply a concentrated fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth and molars, often with the help of a soft tray that you hold together for a few minutes. The fluoride penetrates the tooth enamel and strengthens it from the outside, which makes your teeth and molars more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. The treatment itself only takes a few minutes and we often carry it out during the same visit as a check-up or dental cleaning. Our dentist or prevention assistant explains to you in advance exactly what is going to happen.

Does a fluoride treatment hurt?

No, a fluoride treatment is completely painless. We simply apply the fluoride to your teeth and molars, without any anaesthetic or procedure on your gums or teeth being involved. Some people find the taste of the fluoride gel or the tray in their mouth a little strange at first, but this is otherwise harmless. With children, we make sure that the treatment proceeds in a calm, reassuring way. A fluoride treatment is therefore suitable for both anxious patients and young children.

How long should I not eat or drink after a fluoride treatment?

After a fluoride treatment, we recommend not eating or drinking for about half an hour. During that time, the fluoride penetrates the tooth enamel properly, which is needed for the best result. It is also sensible not to brush too intensively on the treated areas for the rest of the day, so that the fluoride can do its work. Our prevention assistant always gives you practical instructions after the treatment, so that you know exactly what to take into account.

How often do I need a fluoride treatment?

For most people, a fluoride treatment twice a year is enough, often during the same appointment as the routine check-up. Do you have an increased risk of cavities, sensitive teeth or do you wear a brace? Then our dentist can advise a more frequent treatment. For children with a vulnerable set of milk teeth or newly erupted permanent teeth, we also often recommend a regular fluoride treatment. During your check-up, we discuss how often this is best for your situation.

Is a fluoride treatment at the dentist necessary if I already use fluoride toothpaste?

Fluoride toothpaste already provides good basic protection, certainly together with daily brushing. A fluoride treatment at the dentist contains a much higher concentration of fluoride and therefore penetrates deeper into the tooth enamel than toothpaste can. This makes a professional treatment particularly valuable for people with an increased risk of cavities, sensitive teeth or exposed tooth necks. Our dentist is happy to advise you on whether an extra fluoride treatment is useful in your situation.

Is a fluoride treatment also suitable for children?

Yes, a fluoride treatment is especially valuable for children. The tooth enamel of milk teeth and newly erupted permanent teeth is still vulnerable and therefore more susceptible to cavities. A fluoride treatment strengthens this enamel and helps to prevent tooth decay. At Maliekwartier Tandartsen, we adapt the treatment to the age of your child, so that it proceeds pleasantly and calmly. For children up to the age of 18, a fluoride treatment is moreover fully covered by the basic health insurance.

What does a fluoride treatment cost?

For a fluoride treatment, a NZa maximum rate of €18.97 per jaw applies in 2026. If you need a fluoride treatment for the upper and lower jaw, a second rate for the other jaw is added. This rate applies to the fluoride application itself, excluding any other treatments during the same visit, such as a check-up or dental cleaning. On our rates page you can find the full and up-to-date overview of our rates.

Can I have a fluoride treatment at the same time as a check-up or dental cleaning?

Yes, that is perfectly possible and often happens in practice. During your routine check-up or dental cleaning, we can carry out a fluoride treatment immediately afterwards, so that you do not have to make a separate appointment for this and arrange several things in one visit. When making your appointment, indicate that you would also like a fluoride treatment, and we will take this into account in the planning.

What do I notice of the effect of a fluoride treatment?

You do not notice the effect of a fluoride treatment immediately, because the fluoride works mainly from the inside to strengthen the tooth enamel. Some people do notice that their teeth feel a little less sensitive over time to hot, cold or sweet. We see the most important effect in the longer term: less chance of new cavities and stronger enamel. During your routine check-up, we keep an eye on how your teeth are developing and whether a fluoride treatment has the desired effect.

Are there any risks associated with a fluoride treatment?

A fluoride treatment is safe and has been used in dentistry for many years. At the dosage we use, no risks are to be expected for children and adults. We do make sure that young children do not swallow the fluoride gel, and therefore always supervise the treatment well. Do you have an allergy or are you unsure about the composition of the products used? Then please feel free to discuss this with our dentist or prevention assistant in advance.