Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride treatments are a potent weapon in the armory of dentists who want to prevent tooth decay in children. Children receive biannual fluoride treatments from our hygienists at The New Jersey Center for Laser Dentistry in West Caldwell, NJ. The fluoride starts working to strengthen tooth enamel by attacking the bacteria that cause cavities.
Adults do not always receive fluoride treatments as part of their visits to their dentists. Fluoride is considered a treatment for children. However, the ADA recommends adult fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months and the benefits are obvious to adults receiving the treatment regularly. Fluoride treatments for adults improve the patient’s dental health.
Let us look closer to understand why adults as well as children benefit from Fluoride Treatments.
~ The Reality Behind the Science
Fluoride treatments are an excellent way to remain on top of your general oral hygiene regimen. If you use toothpaste or mouthwash with recommended levels of fluoride, you are well on your way to keeping the harmful mouth bacteria in check. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing aren’t sufficient and frequent attacks on the bacteria and plaque is essential. Nevertheless, studies reveal that everyone benefits from fluoride to battle tooth decay, and treatment from our hygienists can prove helpful.
Fluoride treatments provided by our hygienists contain higher concentrations of fluoride than available in toothpaste and mouth rinses. Fluoride clings to the cavity-causing bacteria helping to remove them from your mouth. A simple fluoride treatment takes merely a few minutes to complete and requires you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for approximately 30 minutes.
~ Why Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?
Everyone battles against cavities from childhood through adolescence. Unfortunately, as we age, other issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and deteriorating roots become a threat to our oral health. When left untreated, you might experience tooth loss, and other conditions can also lead to the development of diseases in the mouth. Therefore, visits to the dentist are essential during adulthood, like childhood.
When dentists recommend fluoride treatments, they also consider the strengthening effects of the substance. Fluoride has additional electrons, which help it adhere to the calcium in your tooth to strengthen the enamel coating. Your mouth bacteria constantly try to erode tooth enamel which is the protective outer layer of the tooth. However, fluoride treatments enhance the enamel strength giving it an opportunity to battle against future attacks. Fluoride treatments also tackle the growth of bacteria in the mouth to provide you with a clean slate when leaving dental practice.
~ Getting to the Problems Roots:
Fluoride treatments from your dentist might only require a few minutes but provide long-term benefits, especially when you receive these therapies regularly. Therefore, as an adult, you mustn’t overlook your responsibility of strengthening your tooth enamel because your mouth bacteria is always active in its effort to create cavities in your teeth.
Best of all, fluoride treatments are incredibly affordable. They are considerably less expensive than not having one and having to treat a cavity.
If you think you will benefit from fluoride treatments, The New Jersey Center for Laser and Cosmetic Dentistry provides them in our West Caldwell, NJ office for your benefit. Fluoride treatments are offered to every adult and child at their teeth cleaning visit.
Call us today to schedule an appointment: 973-244-2424 or visit NJLCD.com to request an appointment.