Do Adults Still Need Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments are a significant weapon in the arsenal to preventing tooth decay in children. You might remember going to the family dentist, as a child, and receiving fluoride treatment. The fluoride in gel, foam, or in a rinse solution, gets to work immediately, strengthening each tooth’s enamel and attacking the bacteria, which causes so many problems.

As adults you don’t always get a fluoride treatment as part of your visit to the dentist. This is typically something for the kids, along with the tooth fairy and flavored toothpaste. However professional opinion is in favor of adult fluoride treatment, and the benefits are apparent to the adults who have one on a regular basis. At Smiles for Health we believe in fluoride treatment for adults and see the improvement in our patients’ dental health.

Let’s take a closer look at how why adults still need fluoride treatments

The Truth Behind the Science:

Fluoride treatments are a great way to stay on top of your general oral hygiene routine. If you use a toothpaste or mouthwash, which has the recommended levels of fluoride, then you are well on the way to keeping the bad guys in check. However, washing is not enough and a regular attack on the bacteria and plague is a good idea. Studies show that we can all benefit from some extra fluoride in order to fight tooth decay. Getting treatment from a dentist can be beneficial to your oral health.

A fluoride wash as done by your dentist contains a high, safe level of fluoride, that will cling to the trouble-causing particles, helping to remove them from the mouth. The simple application should only take a few minutes, and you will be good to go after a decent rinse. Your dentist will usually ask you not to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after an application, so bear that in mind if you are making a dinner date.

Added Strength as You Age:

The fight against cavities is one we experience all throughout our childhood and adolescent years. As we age, other problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and deteriorating roots become a real threat to our oral health. If left unchecked, you may even lose teeth, and it can even lead to the development of other diseases in the mouth. Regular visits to the dentist are as essential in adulthood as when our parents brought us as children.

When the dentist recommends a fluoride treatment, they are also thinking of the strengthening effects of the substance. Fluoride has an extra electron, which helps it bond to the calcium in your tooth, strengthening the enamel coating. Bacteria will erode the enamel, which protects your teeth. A side effect of the fluoride wash is that it will enhance the enamel, giving it a fighting chance in future battles. It will also tackle the growth of bacteria in your mouth, giving you a clean slate when leaving the practice.

Throughout our lives, we damage our teeth. This is inevitable, and no matter how much care we take with our dental hygiene it will still happen. Your teeth will get chipped, braces can leave gaps, and all that coffee, wine, and sweet desserts will weaken the enamel defenses. This is why we need to take steps to keep our teeth healthy.

Give Us a Call

At Smiles for Health, we take care of all aspects of oral hygiene. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We will take care of your family’s teeth and have you smiling with confidence every day.