Fluoride Treatments for Adults

When it Comes to Preventing Cavities, Fluoride Treatments Aren’t Just for Kids Anymore

Fluoride treatments have long been a standard treatment in the dental industry for children from infancy to the mid-teen years. It is at this point that most dental insurance companies stop paying for the procedure. However, new research suggests that continuing to receive fluoride treatments as an adult is beneficial at reducing cavities. Whenever possible, Dr. Collatz provides patients with prescription home fluoride treatment rather than fill multiple cavities. Even when adult patients have to pay for fluoride treatments out-of-pocket, the cost is significantly less than have a cavity filled.

Fluoride enters the enamel of a tooth to draw out the phosphate and calcium that is naturally present in saliva. These minerals help to guard against future tooth decay by blocking acid-producing bacteria. When fluoride is on the teeth, it makes it more difficult for bacteria to stick to them.

When Are Fluoride Treatments for Adults Most Helpful?

People tend to take more medications as they get older, which unfortunately can cause a dry mouth and increased risk for cavities. Other common situations when Dr. Collatz may recommend fluoride treatments include:

• She notices that some of your roots are exposed
• Your diet contains large amounts of carbohydrates or sugar
• She recently diagnosed one or more cavities and wants to avoid filling them
• Some of your teeth have deep fissures or pits that makes keeping them clean more challenging

Applying a Fluoride Treatment to Your Teeth

Dr. Collatz can write you a prescription for a dentrifice, which you brush your teeth with just as you would with regular toothpaste. An added benefit of using a dentrifice is that is can decrease tooth sensitivity. If you have a fluoride treatment completed in the office, Dr. Collatz applies varnish to the affected teeth and allows approximately one minute for the substance to harden. Please contact our family dental clinic if you have additional questions about fluoride treatments for patients of any age.