Sciota, Pennsylvania
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a crucial role in dental health by strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. When we think of fluoride, we typically think of children and their developing teeth. But adults can benefit from it, too. Our family dentist in Sciota has compiled the following reasons why you may want to consider incorporating fluoride into your routine oral health practices.
How does fluoride help protect teeth?
Fluoride remineralizes areas of enamel that have started to weaken. This remineralization makes the teeth more resistant to the harmful effects of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth.
How can I make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?
Even if you were exposed to fluoride as a kid, you can benefit from it as an adult, especially if you struggle with specific dental issues.
Fluoride is commonly added to public water, toothpaste and mouthwash. It can also be applied in higher concentrations in our Sciota dentist’s office. Be sure to ask us at your next visit if you need to add fluoride to your routine oral health practices.
Why would an adult need fluoride?
- To prevent cavities
Cavities can develop at any age — not just in childhood. Issues like poor diet and oral hygiene or not making it to your twice-a-year routine checkup and cleaning at our Sciota family dentist’s office can leave your teeth vulnerable to decay.
- To protect tooth roots if gums are receding
As we age, the gum tissue surrounding our teeth can begin receding, exposing more of the tooth and its root under the gumline. Since tooth roots don’t have the enamel that the rest of the tooth has, gum recession leaves the roots susceptible to decay. Regular dental visits, proper brushing techniques and fluoride treatments can help protect exposed roots and slow the progression of gum recession.
- Protect against damage from dry mouth (xerostomia)
Dry mouth reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva — the mouth’s natural antiseptic — naturally washes away food particles and bacteria in the mouth that can cause tooth decay. Without it, the risk of developing cavities increases. Fluoride remineralizes enamel, protecting teeth from the acid-producing bacteria that accumulate in the mouth due to xerostomia.
- Dental work protection
Restorative dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers and dental bonding help restore a smile’s aesthetics and function to damaged or missing teeth, improving both the appearance of your smile and your overall oral health. Restorations cannot get cavities, but the tooth or teeth around them can. Fluoride helps protect those teeth while you care for your restorations.
- Tooth sensitivity
Fluoride strengthens enamel, relieving teeth that are sensitive to hot, cold or sugary foods and beverages. Fluoride also helps strengthen dentin, the porous layer beneath the enamel that contains microscopic tubules leading to the tooth’s nerves. Fluoride can remineralize the dentin and block exposed tubules, which alleviates tooth sensitivity.
How can I add fluoride to my oral health routine?
Adults can choose among several options to add more fluoride into their oral health regimen, including:
- Fluoride toothpaste — Using fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association is the easiest, most convenient way to add fluoride into your daily routine.
- Fluoride rinse — Depending on your age, you may remember rinsing with fluoride in school as a kid. If you’re prone to cavities or have other dental concerns listed above, use a fluoride rinse for added protection.
- Professional fluoride treatment — Our Sciota family dentist at Chestnuthill Dental can safely apply fluoride to your teeth at your next routine checkup and cleaning.
- Prescription fluoride — If we determine that you are at high risk for tooth decay, we may recommend a prescription-strength fluoride gel or toothpaste that you can use at home.
Fluoride for adults in Sciota, PA
Fluoride isn’t just for kids. In adults, it strengthens enamel and protects teeth from decay, making it a powerful tool in maintaining a healthy smile, no matter a person’s age. Be sure to ask us at your next routine dental appointment if you need to add more fluoride to your oral health regimen. In the meantime, if you have any questions about fluoride or your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact us at Chestnuthill Dental by calling (570) 865-7929 or reaching out to us online. We’re here to help everyone — from babies to seniors — maintain a bright, healthy smile.
