A bit more than a century ago, dentists began to recognize fluoride’s remarkable ability to prevent cavities and other forms of tooth decay. Today, this remarkable mineral is used as an ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash to help people protect their oral health as well as the beauty of their smiles. Dentists also perform topical fluoride treatments in their offices, and while these procedures are usually associated with children, adults can significantly benefit from them as well. Here’s a guide to how fluoride can help adults.
Can Fluoride Help Adults?
Fluoride is frequently administered to children since it helps reinforce their developing teeth, but it can help prevent cavities from forming in the mouths of people of all ages. Older adults may find fluoride especially beneficial since they have higher rates of oral health issues such as dry mouth, which can leave the enamel more vulnerable to damage. While fluoride can be found in toothpaste, mouthwash, many foods, and even the tap water in most towns in America, dentists also offer topical treatments in their offices.
How Does Fluoride Treatment Work?
To perform a fluoride treatment, your dentist will dry your teeth and apply a coating of fluoride gel or foam or place the substance in a dental tray for you to wear for a few minutes. You will be required to refrain from swallowing while the fluoride is in your mouth, but this is typically quite easy. The fluoride will help your teeth remineralize so they can be more resilient against injuries and acid exposure that can lead to nasty oral infections.
How Can I Get More Fluoride?
While overexposure to fluoride at a young age can lead to unsightly dental stains, this is quite unlikely to happen unless a child is regularly drinking from a water supply with an incredibly high concentration of the mineral. A few excellent sources of fluoride include:
- Seafood
- Tea
- Bone meal
- Spinach
- Gelatin
- Grapes and raisins
- Fluoridated water
Fluoride treatment can be an excellent way to protect your teeth from destructive infections. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to keep your teeth in great shape.
About the Practice
Grateful Dentists offers astounding oral healthcare to the community of Billerica. Led by Drs. Adam Danzig and Rachel Snook, the staff ensures that each patient receives the utmost care in a warm and welcoming office environment. Services include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about how fluoride treatment can benefit you, contact the office online or dial (978) 667-5807.