No one wants to go to the dentist only to learn that they have cavities. Preventing them relies heavily on proper brushing and flossing at home, but fluoride treatments are also available to help provide extra protection against tooth decay.
Why is fluoride important?
Fluoride is naturally resistant to acids that can harm your teeth and cause decay. It absorbs easily into teeth enamel (especially for children, whose teeth are still growing), and can strengthen the surface of teeth that are fully developed.
Our teeth go through regular periods of demineralization and remineralization throughout the day, during the very early stages of tooth decay when it is still reversible. Fluoride can help with this remineralization, making the surface of the tooth more resistant to decay than it was before.
Who should get fluoride treatments?
Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children, whose teeth are still forming and who may not have established good brushing habits, and aren’t able to use toothpaste with fluoride yet. These treatments are safe, will only take a short time, and will help their teeth to be stronger and more decay-resistant.
Fluoride treatments can work for adults as well, as they can help to replenish calcium and phosphate that have been lost from the very early stages of decay.
Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatments at the dentist are common for children; children typically don’t have the best oral hygiene habits, after all, and need all the help they can get.
Are there adults who can benefit from fluoride treatments as well?
We asked the dentists we know under what conditions they would recommend fluoride treatments for their patients. Here’s what they had to say:
Topical supplemental fluoride can be very helpful for adult patients who are at increased risk for decay or who are experiencing temporary sensitivity to temperature and perhaps sweets. Adults with exposed root surfaces may have problems with tooth decay as the dentin surface of the root is much softer than the enamel surfaces of our teeth. The use of topical fluoride can help to remineralize small cavities and harden the surface against more decay. Patients with a history of frequent or recent tooth decay may also be good candidates for supplemental fluorides regardless of their age.
Roger D. Craddock, DDS – Periodontist in Memphis, TN
As patients age, we often see more crowns that may have leaky margins, erosion on teeth and areas that have exposed dentin. These areas can benefit from fluoride treatment making the area stronger, resistant to decay and less sensitive. Fluoride is important at any age and adults often benefit every bit as much as children with application in the dental office. Areas that have demineralized, whether in the adult mouth or that of a child, will absorb the fluoride better immediately following a dental cleaning, making the case for in office application.
Timothy P. Sulken, DDS – Dentist in Fostoria, OH
Absolutely, adults need fluoride treatment. When patients ask, we tell patients that you only need to put fluoride on the teeth you want to keep. That is how important we feel it is. In fact, since most insurance companies will not pay for adults, we discount the fee so that all adults can afford to have the treatment done.
Robert A. Morabito, DDS – Dentist in Falls Church, VA
Regarding topical Fluoride for adults, my answer is an emphatic yes. Everyone benefits from topical Fluoride applications, but especially adults who may have some receding gum issues. The Fluoride not only mineralizes enamel and dentin, making those structures more resistant to demineralization, the initial phase of tooth decay but also is very effective in desensitizing teeth with areas of exposed dentin due to recession. There’s just no downside to prevention at any level, and Fluoride application is a very affordable treatment that is proven to reduce the rate of tooth decay in everyone.
Richard E. Nichols, DDS – Dentist in Littleton, CO
Generally, adults do not need topical fluoride treatments. That being said, there are times when fluoride treatments are extremely beneficial to adults. Adults with chronic dry mouth, whether from hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy treatments or medications have a difficult time with decay. Topical fluoride to these patients helps decrease the amount of decay they will encounter. Adults with physical or emotional disabilities can’t or don’t brush and floss regularly. They also benefit from fluoride. Adults with large areas of gum recession are also much more prone to decay and fluoride also helps these people. Fluoride to adults can also decrease sensitivity and is often used for this reason. Your dentist should prescribe fluoride if you fall into one of these categories.
Jerome L. Faist, DDS – Dentist in Beachwood, OH
I do feel some adults benefit from Fluoride. I have many adults that get decay and have root sensitivity. I think Fluoride will help them. Sometimes I send them home with a rinse or brush on Fluoride gel. For patients undergoing radiation to the head and neck, I make Fluoride trays and have them use it at home. I have very few that I give treatments in the office.
Cynthia Sachs, DDS – Dentist in Rockford, IL
As you can see, all of the dentists we spoke to recommended fluoride treatments for adults, at the very least for those suffering from gum recession or who tend to be prone to tooth decay. Most of the dentists recommended these treatments in all cases, as there are many benefits and nothing in the way of downsides beyond the cost of treatment. If in doubt about whether or not fluoride treatments are right for you, consult with your dentist.
