Fluoride is one of those things that most people have heard of, but that many people may not completely understand the importance of. They might know that it’s good for their oral health, but may not really know why.
For example, it’s a common misconception that children are the main people who can benefit from fluoride treatment. There is evidence to suggest that adults could potentially enjoy the merits of fluoride treatment as well. If you’re curious, here’s how.
How Can Adults Benefit from Fluoride Treatment?
The body’s main use of fluoride is to fortify the enamel, which makes up the outer layer of the teeth. When the enamel isn’t quite strong enough, the teeth become more sensitive to decay and cavities.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic condition that there is in both children and adults, so people of any age can benefit from fluoride making their enamel a little bit stronger.
Could Fluoride Treatment be Right for Me?
It’s common for people not to get enough fluoride from their diet, so there are quite a few circumstances where supplementing it through professional treatment is a smart idea:
- If your water supply isn’t already fluoridated, like those from a private well, or if you mostly drink bottled water.
- If you have chronic dry mouth, either as a consequence of certain medications or due to aging. Dry mouth prevents food particles from breaking down, which contributes to tooth decay.
- Your gums have receded, exposing more of the tooth to the potential for decay.
Other Ways Protect Yourself from Enamel Erosion
After fluoride treatment, you may want to consider making some lifestyle changes to help prevent tooth decay. For one, you should try and limit your intake of sugar. This includes starchy foods like potato chips, as these starches are broken down into simple sugars by the saliva.
You should also reconsider your intake of acidic foods and drinks. Soda and citrus juice can contribute to enamel erosion, as can an excess of sour fruit in your diet.
Finally, make sure to keep up with your dental hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and floss at least once a day to break up plaque deposits.
About Our Practice
At Grateful Dentists, we’re proud to say that we bring a distinctive style to everything that we do. That isn’t just because of the design of our office—we practice a style of dentistry that centers patients’ individual needs and ensures that they always feel attended to. We do what we can to ensure that you’ll feel completely at home in our office from the moment you walk in until you leave.
If you have any questions about fluoride treatments, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (978) 667-2741.