Are Fluoride Treatments Necessary for Adults?
There is a lot of discussion around the use of fluoride to protect and strengthen the teeth, but many people aren’t sure whether supplemental fluoride is needed. It can be confusing, particularly for adults. The amount of fluoride you receive in drinking water and other sources varies widely depending on where you live. Children need fluoride because their teeth are still developing, but what about adults? To understand the issue of fluoride use in adults, you first have to understand what it is and why it is so important.
What is Fluoride, and What Does It Do?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water and many foods. Fluoride helps rebuild tooth enamel that erodes over time due to mineral loss. This mineral loss is the result of acids attacking the teeth. Acids are formed from plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth. Fluoride is one of the minerals that help remineralize tooth enamel. Without enough fluoride, tooth enamel softens, and cavities develop. Fluoride helps stop acid attacks on your tooth enamel and reverses the early stages of tooth decay.
Types of Dental Fluoride
In many parts of the country, fluoride is added to the water supply to ensure everyone’s teeth have some protection against cavities. You can also purchase mouthwashes and toothpaste that contain fluoride. If your teeth have soft or thin enamel, we may recommend a stronger fluoride concentration or a liquid or tablet fluoride formulation. We can also apply fluoride in our office, using a varnish, gel, or foam that is either painted onto the tooth or applied using a custom-fitted tray placed over the teeth.
Why Do Adults Need Fluoride?
Nearly everyone knows that children need fluoride to protect their teeth against cavities because they may not be willing or able to perform good oral hygiene. Because their teeth are still developing, their tween and teen years are crucial. However, what about adults? Do they need fluoride treatments?
Surprisingly, the answer is “Yes.” There are many reasons for adults to make sure they are getting enough fluoride to protect their teeth from damage such as cavities, including:
- Patients with xerostomia, also known as dry mouth syndrome, as a side effect of allergies or medications such as antihistamines, should use fluoride to protect their teeth from acid attacks. Lower saliva levels with dry mouth can contribute to cavities, but fluoride strengthens the enamel against acid attacks.
- Anyone with gum disease should consider additional fluoride because gum disease exposes the teeth, including the roots, to bacteria and increases the risk of tooth decay. The enamel is inherently softer on the tooth roots.
- Fluoride treatments will minimize the risk of future cavities if you have a history of dental caries.
- Individuals who utilize partial dentures, crowns, bridges, or braces should add fluoride to their oral hygiene routine to protect against cavities caused by difficulty keeping teeth clean around their dental prosthetics.
Fluoride Benefits for Adults
Adults can benefit from fluoride treatments applied by their dentist for several reasons. When a dental professional applies fluoride to the teeth, they increase the strength of the tooth enamel and decrease the risk of cavities by as much as 25 percent.
Having your dentist apply fluoride not only eliminates the risk of accidental overdosing but also safeguards your gums against irritation. At Herald Square, we can evaluate your oral health and determine whether adult fluoride treatment is suitable for you. This professional approach ensures your dental health is in safe hands.
Call us today at Herald Square Dental Phone Number (212) 689-0024 for a dental cleaning and evaluation of your oral health. If fluoride treatments are deemed beneficial for preventing future cavities, we can apply them in just minutes, ensuring a healthier smile.
Drs. Pasch, Yam and Shirzadnia offer a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
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