Why you should say ‘yes’ to fluoride treatments?

Strong, healthy teeth are the result of good oral hygiene and fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents cavities and builds strong teeth. It also supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm teeth and gums. It is important to care for your teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day, and routine dental visits twice a year for a thorough cleaning and check-up at one of the best dental clinics in Pune @SMILEX INTERNATIONAL DENTAL CENTRE

Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re at risk of developing cavities. Cavities occur when bacteria build up on the teeth and gums and form plaque. If the plaque breaks down the enamel layer, bacteria can infect the nerves of the tooth.

The following can increase your risk of cavities:
• excessive drug or alcohol use
• eating disorder
• poor oral hygiene
• lack of dental care
• poor diet
• dry mouth, or decreased saliva
• weak enamel

Fluoride is a mineral and can be found in some foods and water. Fluoride and other minerals (calcium and phosphate) are redeposited to the enamel layer from the foods and water we consume. It is important because it helps prevent tooth decay. It makes the teeth more resistant to acids and can reverse early tooth decay. Fluoride is especially important for toddlers who are developing permanent teeth, making it tougher for acids to ruin the enamel.

Common dietary sources of  fluoride include:
• tea
• water
• food cooked in water
• fish eaten with their bones
• infant formula

Although fluoride can be found in some toothpaste and mouthwash, stronger and more effective concentrations require a dentist’s prescription. Your dentist can apply it directly to your teeth during an office visit as FLUORIDE APPLICATION TREATMENT

Benefits for Children and Adults

Fluoride has been proven to protect teeth from decay by rebuilding weakened tooth surfaces through a process called tooth remineralization in which applied fluoride is absorbed into teeth and restores lost minerals that make our teeth hard.  Not only can fluoride strengthen teeth to prevent future decay, but it can also help to arrest early decay, thus preventing the need to fill a tooth.

Adults can benefit from fluoride because as we age, our teeth weaken as well making them more susceptible to decay. Although remineralization occurs daily in our mouths naturally, as we age, the natural process becomes less

efficient. Other risk factors can not only reduce natural remineralization but can also make our mouths host to decay-causing bacteria at a higher amount

Fluoride benefits both children and adults. Children up to 16 years need to receive fluoride treatments as their permanent teeth come in. The earlier children are exposed to fluoride, the less likely they are to develop cavities. A large study found that children who received fluoride treatments for one year were 43% less likely to have tooth decay and cavities.

Adults need fluoride too, especially those at increased risk of tooth decay. It cannot remove decay but it can help stop the decay from penetrating deeper parts of teeth. Some medications, dry mouth, gum disease, and frequent cavities may require patients to have additional fluoride applications.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your oral health. If you’re at high risk for cavities, your dentist  @ smilex may also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or fluoride gel for teeth to use regularly at home.

What are the Risk Factors for Adult Decay?

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth issues are one of the biggest and most common risk factors for adult tooth decay.  A dry mouth, also called xerostomia (DRYNESS OF MOUTH) causes a reduction in natural saliva production.  Saliva is actually what helps the natural remineralization of our teeth.  So, without enough saliva, our teeth lose strength, thus not being repaired on their own. 

Some adult medical conditions can also cause dry mouth issues such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders like Jorgen’s syndrome, chronic allergy & sinus issues, and even snoring.  

Adults are also often prescribed medications that have the side effect of causing mouth dryness.

A dry mouth not only decreases mineralization but also makes your teeth and gums sticky, which allows decay-causing bacteria to adhere more easily and become more difficult to remove with typical brushing & flossing.

Gum Recession (gingival recession):

Adults with gum recession are at higher risk for decay because the tooth that is exposed when gums are receded is your tooth root.  The root surface is called cementum, which is a thinner tooth structure that decays very easily.  Root decay can be more difficult to treat & manage and may re-occur even after being filled previously.  Protecting root surfaces is vital to prevent root decay.

Existing Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges:

If you have had a history of several fillings, crowns, or bridgework, you are at higher risk for decay because bacteria that cause decay can often hide in and around dental work making it harder for you to clean.  

Where a filling & enamel meet or where a crown ends and the tooth begins is called a toothed margin.  Bacteria can sit on those margins and cause decay.

Reduced or Poor Oral Hygiene:

If plaque bacteria sit too long on our teeth, decay can happen easily.  Unfortunately, as we age, sometimes our homecare is not as good as it once was or we have obstacles such as dental work or adult braces that make homecare more difficult it is advised to visit a dental office for cleaning of teeth followed by fluoride application @ smilex

And sometimes as adults, we get so busy with life that we might forget about visiting the dentist regularly, which also puts us at higher risk for oral disease.

Smoking:

Smoking increases the risk of dental decay because tobacco use can dry the mouth and also causes a stain that allows plaque to stick easily.  Smoking also increases your risk of gum recession, which is a risk factor for root decay.

What Kinds of Fluoride are Available to Adults?

In-office Varnish

A fluoride varnish treatment is a professional strength application of fluoride provided by your dental professional usually right after a dental cleaning.  It is a fast and easy way to provide protection.  The varnish is a clear liquid that is applied to your teeth and exposed roots with a small brush.  The fluoride is absorbed and helps to increase remineralization. 

In-office treatments are typically higher-strength applications and thus need to be authorized & applied by your dental professional.

At-home prescription paste or rinses

Usually, if patients regularly accept fluoride varnish, they do not need at-home treatments.  However, very high-risk patients may benefit from using prescription-strength fluoride supplements for at-home use that can be in the form of toothpaste or mouth rinse.