Fluoride Treatment: HSA Eligibility

Eligible expenses for Limited FSAs can vary. To find out exactly what your Limited FSA covers, contact your FSA administrator.

What are Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments target the tooth enamel, the substance composing the outer layer of a tooth's crown. The tooth crown is the visible portion of the tooth. Tooth enamel is made of mineral crystals which are depleted by plaque, which is caused by bacteria. The acid produced by the bacteria removes the mineral crystals from the enamel, which leads to tooth decay. Fluoride deposit more minerals into the enamel, and fluoride also helps to reduce the amount of acid produced by bacteria (Healthline).

A fluoride treatment is one way of applying more fluoride to the tooth enamel. Fluoride treatments are commonly given to children every six months. Fluoride treatments are eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account. Fluoride treatments are useful for adding to the enamel of the teeth even if fluoride is already present through fluoridated drinking water.

Fluoride treatments require clean teeth. Tooth stains may also need to be polished by the dentist before a fluoride treatment takes place. Fluoride treatments at the dentist office typically are more concentrated and potent than fluoride which may be absorbed through fluoridated toothpaste or rinses.

A fluoride treatment may be applied in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. Fluoride treatments require, in addition to clean and unstained teeth, a dry setting to be absorbed into the teeth without suffering any dilution. Special precautions must be taken after a fluoride treatment to ensure maximum absorption, such as avoiding eating, drinking and smoking for 30 minutes after the fluoride treatment (American Dental Association).