Fluoride treatments are just for kids, right? I mean once you hit adulthood you don’t have to put up with those cavity creeps anymore. And since your insurance company doesn’t pay for it, there’s obviously no benefit.
Unfortunately, cavities don’t belong in your childhood. In fact, one in four adults they have untreated tooth decay sitting right in their mouth. And fluoride is for more than just cavities.
If the thought of a fluoride treatment makes you think back to those trays full of gel that you had to hold in your mouth for four minutes and not eat for hours afterward, I’ve got good news for you: fluoride treatments have evolved. Instead of gels, foams or rinses of the past, we now have fluoride varnish that professionals can paint on your teeth. This polish not only allows you to eat and drink right away (with some restrictions depending on the brand), but it also stays on the teeth and you don’t dare on other parts of your body.
But you’re still wondering – how, as an adult, do you benefit from a fluoride treatment?
An ounce of prevention
Fluoride is like vitamins for your teeth. Many of us take a multivitamin to help prevent disease, so why not a fluoride treatment to give you an extra boost to fight tooth decay? As a dental hygienist, I consider myself an expert in prevention. My goal is to keep you out of the dentist’s chair, save you money and time, and improve your overall health.
More Dear patients:
Because that little cavity is a big deal
9 things we wish you didn’t do at the dentist
Dry mouth
Many medications have dry mouth as a side effect. In fact, 66% of the population in taking some type of prescription medication and more than 500 of them cause dry mouth. Why does this matter? Good quality saliva is your friend when it comes to having a healthy mouth. It washes away food residues, helps neutralize acids and helps you digest food. When you lack saliva, you are at a higher risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. You need help to reduce your risk, and fluoride is a building block in keeping your body healthy.
Help with tooth sensitivity
Another benefit of fluoride is that it can help with tooth sensitivity. Many of us have that spot that screams when we take a sip of iced tea, bite into a sweet, or even drink hot coffee. Fluoride can help reduce or eliminate the jingle that goes straight to your eyeballs.
Protection by root exposure
Have you ever heard the phrase “long in the tooth”? It’s a figurative way of saying old. But like many metaphors, it has some truth to it. As we age, our gums often begin to migrate downward, exposing the root surface of a tooth. Unfortunately, the surface of our root does not have the protective coating of enamel like the crown of our tooth and is more susceptible to tooth decay. Fluoride is a great way to protect these vulnerable surfaces in your mouth.
Don’t be fooled by the old thinking that fluoride is just for kids. It could have a positive impact on the health of the teeth and the whole body. Ask your dentist if he thinks you would benefit from fluoride varnish. Chances are, you would.
