The primary goal of dental care is to prevent problems from occurring that will require restorative treatment. Preventive dentistry, as it is often called, includes a variety of procedures that maintain the health of your teeth and mouth.
One such preventive measure is fluoride treatment. While fluoride treatments are generally recommended for children as they grow, they are beneficial for adults as well. Learn more about fluoride treatments and why they are an essential part of preventive dentistry.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has the ability to harden tooth enamel. The enamel is the top layer of your tooth material that protects the inner layers and provides a hard surface for biting and grinding up food. Fluoride provides remineralization of tooth enamel, hardening soft spots and increasing surface strength.
What Are Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride treatments come in a variety of forms:
- Rinse. Some fluoride treatments are like mouthwash, a rinse that you swish around your mouth and spit out.
- Varnish. Fluoride varnishes are applied to the teeth with a brush. The varnish will form a solid layer over the teeth. Your dentist may advise you not to brush your teeth until the next day so that your teeth can gain the maximum benefit.
- Gel or foam. Fluoride treatments may come in a gel or foam consistency that is applied to the teeth.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatments for Adults
- Hardens enamel. Fluoride hardens tooth enamel, lowering your risk of cavities, cracks, and fractures.
- Slows the aging process for your teeth. As you age your enamel naturally weakens, increasing the risk of decay and damage. Fluoride can remineralize tooth enamel to strengthen it.
- Whiter teeth. Weakened tooth enamel allows the layers underneath to show through, making your teeth appear more yellow. Fluoride treatments can keep your teeth looking whiter for a longer period of time.
Daily Sources of Fluoride
Your teeth most likely receive some fluoride exposure on a daily basis through the following:
- Water. If you live within the city limits your water is most likely fortified with fluoride. However, if you have well water it may not.
- Toothpaste. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, especially those that are anti-cavity or for sensitive teeth.
- Mouthwash. A lot of mouthwashes contain fluoride as well, including most major brands.
- Vitamins. Some multivitamins contain fluoride. Check the label on your vitamin bottle.
These daily sources of fluoride may be sufficient for some people. However, if you are prone to cavities or have sensitive teeth, fluoride treatments provided by your dentist can help. Your dentist can also write you a prescription for toothpaste with a higher concentration of fluoride.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fluoride Treatments
Do Fluoride Treatments Taste Bad?
If you remember the bitter tasting fluoride rinses from your childhood, don’t worry. Today’s fluoride treatments come in a variety of flavors from mint to bubble gum to fruit flavors.
Can You Have Too Much Fluoride?
When children’s teeth are exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride it can cause spots and staining of the teeth. For adults the risk of fluorosis is lower because the teeth are fully developed. If you swallow too much fluoride it can cause stomach upset.
If you’re considering fluoride treatments, talk to your dentist about the risks and benefits. You may experience improved oral health by adding fluoride treatments to your regular dental visits.
