It is a widely believed that fluoride and fluoride treatments are only beneficial to children, but fluoride can also benefit adults too.
It is a widely believed that fluoride and fluoride treatments are only beneficial to children, but fluoride can also benefit adults too. Applying fluoride directly to teeth is vital in helping to fight decay. Everyone should use fluoridated toothpaste when they brush each day, but some adults are at a higher risk for tooth decay than others. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you might have more of a need for fluoride than you think.
Do You Suffer from Frequent Dry Mouth?
Plenty of adults take some sort of medication. One of the side effects of many medications is that they cause dry mouth, or xerostomia. The most common drugs that cause dry mouth are antihistamines and allergy medicines, anti-anxiety medications, and medicines that help lower high blood pressure. Diabetes can also cause dry mouth.
The decrease in saliva can increase your risk of tooth decay because saliva helps to wash away leftover food residue. Fluoride will help to protect your teeth when your mouth becomes overly dry.
Do You Have Receding Gums or Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease causes your gums to shrink, leaving more of your teeth exposed and vulnerable to cavities. Cavities can even form in the roots of your teeth. More than half of adults over the age of 75 have had some amount of root decay in their lifetime. If your dentist has treated you for periodontal disease and reshaped your gums, your roots could have been exposed which would leave them vulnerable to bacteria and decay. To protect your teeth’s roots, your dentist may apply a fluoride gel. You can also use a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help fortify that protection.
Have You Needed a Filling in the Last Year?
Fillings: almost everyone has had one at some point in their lives, but have you needed one recently? If you have had tooth decay recently, you are at a higher risk to have more. The bacteria and other conditions that caused the decay could still be present. If you have or have had cavities, fluoride should be an important part of your dental care routine.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.