Is Fluoride Treatment Required in Adults?

Is Fluoride Treatment Required in Adults?

Aug 06, 2021

No, fluoride treatment is not required but is highly recommended. For decades, fluoride treatment has been reserved for children since they are more prone to dental cavities than adults. However, according to the CDC, the rate of decay in children has decreased (because of all the preventive measures in place) and has increased in adults, hence the recommendation to get a professional fluoride procedure.

How Does Fluoride Help?

To understand the importance of getting fluoride, you first need to know the daily processes that occur in the oral cavity. Daily, our teeth go through demineralization, which is the loss of the essential minerals needed by the teeth. Calcium and phosphate strengthen the enamel, and once they are lost, the teeth can become a bit weaker. The demineralization process is triggered by acid attacks.
The enamel can reverse the process and reabsorb the mineral if provided with fluoride. Fluoride also neutralizes the acid solution and lowers the pH in the body. This will reduce the risk of developing cavities and decay.

When is Fluoride Treatment Recommended?

The dentist can recommend a fluoride treatment in Royse City if you are at risk of dental cavities. However, you may need the treatment if you have any of the following:

  • Dry mouth

Saliva is essential to your oral health as it helps to clean the food particles. Accumulation of food particles may cause the overgrowth of bacteria, which causes the production of acid. Low production of saliva will lead to tartar and plaques. Also, saliva supplies the teeth with fluoride to strengthen them and prevent cavities.

  • Dental restorations

While dental restorations can restore your smile, they can be a source of decay and cavities. Restorations like bridges, veneers, and crowns can trap food particles in the spaces where they are in contact with the teeth. This increases the risk of developing cavities

  • Periodontal disease.

Gum diseases cause the gums to recede, which exposes the teeth to bacteria and increases the risk of decay. The dentist may use fluoride as part of your gum disease treatment.

  • Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy affects your salivary glands and saliva production, which will cause dry mouth and related problems.

  • How is Fluoride Treatment Done?

Fluoride treatment can be systemic (ingested) or topical (applied on the enamel). Topical fluoride involves the use of gels, foams, or varnish. The dentist will apply the fluoride product to the teeth and leave it for a couple of minutes before rinsing it out. If you want a more sustainable option, you can opt for fluoride varnish for adults. It follows the same procedure, but you will leave the varnish on for about four to six hours before rinsing.

You, however, need to follow the dentist instructions to ensure maximum results:

  • Avoid brushing or rinsing your teeth for at least six hours after the procedure. If possible, wait until the following day to resume your oral hygiene practices.
  • Eat soft foods a couple of hours after the fluoride treatment
  • Do not take hot or cold foods

What Are the Side Effects of Fluoride?

Excessive use of fluoride, though rare, can cause fluorosis, which leads to discoloration and the formation of white patches on the teeth. You may also experience dense, but the weak bone that can break easily.

What Other Preventive Measures Can You Use?

Although dental fluoride treatment is effective in preventing decay, it works better if combined with other dental practices like:

  • Regular dental exams and cleaning. During your routine checkup, the dentist will perform professional teeth cleaning to remove any accumulated tartar.
  • Proper oral hygiene is crucial to your dental health and it is important to brush and floss daily especially after eating.
  • Good nutrition helps to boost your oral health and it is important to eat teeth-friendly foods.

The dentist may also recommend dental sealants as a preventive measure if you are at risk of developing cavities. These protective sealants are mostly used on children, but adults with healthy teeth and gums can also benefit.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Pleasure Dental for more information on fluoride treatment and how it can benefit you.

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