Fluoride Treatments Aren’t Just for Kids!

Fluoride treatments aren’t just for kids.

A little extra fluoride works wonders for developing teeth, but it can also help many adults too; especially adults with certain health/dental conditions that increase their risk for tooth decay and cavities.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps keep the tooth’s enamel strong and better resistant to acids that form in the mouth from plaque and sugars that eventually lead to cavities. Fluoride is found in foods (meats and dairy), water, tooth pastes and mouthwashes.

Ok, so why do we need more of it? While we may gain fluoride naturally, we also lose it, such as when plaque bacteria builds up in our mouths and erodes the enamel of our teeth. When we start losing more fluoride than we take in, that’s when tooth decay and cavities occur. And that’s where fluoride treatments can help.

So, while fluoride treatments are usually associated with kids, they’re also beneficial for fighting tooth decay as we age.

Here are 6 Ways Fluoride Treatments Help Adults!

1. You Have Chronic Dry Mouth – Lack of saliva from a dry mouth makes it harder for food particles to be washed away and acids to be neutralized (hello plaque!). This puts your teeth at a greater risk of getting cavities. Common causes of dry mouth include stress, some medications, aging, smoking and certain health conditions – diabetes.
2. You Have Gum Disease and Gum Recession – This can expose more of your tooth and its roots to bacteria which increase the likelihood of tooth decay. As gum disease progresses, it causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating “pockets” for more cavity causing bacteria to collect. If your gums are receding or your gums are showing signs of inflammation, you could benefit from a little extra cavity protection.
3. You Have Existing Dental Work – Some dental treatments, like crowns, bridges, or even braces, can increase your risk of tooth decay, such as where the crown meets the underlying tooth structure or around the brackets of braces.
4. You Have Track Record of Frequent Cavities – If you have one cavity every year, or every other year, you may benefit from additional fluoride. Sometimes having cavities runs in the family too, so you just might be more genetically predisposed to them.
5. You’re a Grazer or Snacker – The more times you snack throughout the day, the higher your risk for tooth decay. It’s more difficult to keep your teeth clean after snacking throughout the day, and many snacks consist of carbs and sugars – this is what fuels plaque buildup.
6. Your Molars Have Deep Pits or Grooves – Even if you floss and brush your teeth, it’s sometimes difficult to always remove some of the extra food debris that can build up in these areas. When these particles are trapped, your teeth are exposed to plaque for longer periods, increasing your risk for tooth decay.
   

Getting Your Fluoride Treatment!

The fluoride treatments we offer consist of in-office fluoride varnish treatments, as well as anti-cavity prescription toothpastes. Both of these treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in toothpastes and mouth rinses.

Our in-office fluoride varnish treatment involves applying fluoride topically to your teeth. it’s simple, painless, and fast, and it involves applying fluoride in the form of varnish directly onto the teeth. These fluoride treatments only take a few minutes.

Fluoride treatments can definitely help make your teeth stronger, more resistant to decay and also less sensitive to hot and cold.

If you’re having trouble with cavities, a little additional fluoride could work wonders to keep your teeth cavity free. It’s also good protection from  the cost (and hassle) of dealing with fillings.

Give your teeth a little extra protection. Make an appointment specifically for your fluoride treatment, or request that a varnish treatment be added as part of your routine teeth cleanings. Just give us a call at (206) 242-0066 or contact us online!