Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

November 1, 2022

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in many places, including teeth, water, and foods. As far as your teeth are concerned, minerals like fluoride are essential to preserve the structure and protect them against cavities and damage.

The minerals in your teeth, including fluoride, are lost (demineralization) due to acid and bacterial attacks on the enamel. That’s where fluoride treatments can help.

What is Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatments involve applying fluoride on teeth. It helps redeposit the lost fluoride from the teeth, preventing and reversing potential damages.

Usually, too much loss of minerals like fluoride from the teeth can weaken them, making them vulnerable to tooth decay and damage like chips and cracks. That said, restoring these minerals to protect tooth health is essential.

The dentist often applies a highly concentrated fluoride varnish or gel to the teeth during the treatment using a brush, swab, or tray. It’s allowed to stay on the teeth for a few minutes to ensure it’s well absorbed. After application, the dentist will instruct you not to eat or drink anything for 30 to 60 minutes.

Unlike alternative sources like water, food, and toothpaste, fluoride treatments from your dentist contain higher amounts of fluoride, making them more effective.

When is Fluoride Treatment Most Critical?

Commonly, fluoride treatments are recommended among children and teenagers since they’re at a greater risk of developing tooth decay. Using fluoride at a younger age ensures it is well incorporated in the developing permanent teeth, making them more resistant to acid and bacterial attacks.

Thus, they are most critical at a young age, between six months and 16 years, when teeth erupt and develop. However, adults can still benefit from fluoride treatments.

Similarly, fluoride treatments are essential for individuals with oral problems that make them vulnerable to tooth damage. These can include:

A dry mouth or xerostomia is when there’s less production and flow of saliva in the mouth. Lack of enough saliva makes it difficult to wash away bacteria and acids that demineralize teeth. A dry mouth can be caused by numerous factors like certain medications, diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, and head and neck radiation treatments.
Gum disease. Periodontal disease or infection exposes the teeth to harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
History of oral conditions. If you’ve had cavities or gum disease previously, you may be at a greater risk of developing them again.
Existing dental restorations. Dental work like bridges, crowns, braces, and dentures puts one at a greater risk of oral infections.

If you have any of the above factors, please speak with your dentist about routine fluoride varnish for adults. They will significantly reduce your risk of developing oral problems.

Do Adults Still Need Routine Fluoride Treatments?

While fluoride treatments are critical up to age 16, you might wonder whether they are still necessary for adulthood.

As you age, the risk of developing oral problems such as tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease increases. Your risk is even higher if you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It’s worth noting that poor oral health can also increase your risk of developing these health conditions.

Therefore, while not necessary, regular fluoride treatments for adults are as beneficial as in childhood. They help remineralize and strengthen teeth, promoting your oral and overall well-being. They also protect your dental work, such as dental crowns, bridges, and fillings. It saves you from the need for invasive and expensive treatments in the future.

Fluoride is also beneficial in reducing or treating tooth sensitivity and reversing tooth damage that has developed over the years. Fluoride also destroys the harmful bacteria in the mouth, helping you manage or prevent gum disease and other oral infections.

How Often Should Adults Get Fluoride Treatment?

The ADA recommends routine fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months. Consult your dentist about how often you can have your treatments. In addition, the dentist can prescribe special fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses to use at home.