Reviews
Most people know that getting enough calcium in their diet is a great way to strengthen their bones and prevent osteoporosis. But what about strengthening your teeth to prevent cavities? That’s where fluoride comes in. And while you can certainly get small amounts of topical fluoride through toothpaste and mouthwash, getting a professional treatment at your checkups is a smart strategy for cavity prevention in Medford – for people of all ages! Keep reading to learn how fluoride treatments can benefit you as an adult and minimize the overall dental work you need in the long-run.
What Is Fluoride and How Does It Work?
Just like calcium, fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral. The amount of mineral content in your teeth explains why they’re so hard and tough. In fact, your enamel is the hardest substance in your body – even more so than your bones. However, that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible.
Every time you eat or drink (particularly something with sugars or carbohydrates), the bacteria in your mouth produce acid that eats away at your enamel. Fluoride strengthens your teeth to protect them against this process.
It can even reverse “pre-cavities” in which tooth decay hasn’t progressed past the enamel layer of your teeth. However, once a cavity has progressed past that point, it must be treated with a filling, dental crown, etc. That’s why it’s so important to get regular checkups so these pre-cavities can be found in time.
What Is a Fluoride Treatment Like?
Fluoride treatments are fast and easy and simply involve biting down on a foam tray that’s been filled with fluoride gel for 2 minutes. After spitting out the excess, you’ll wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking to give the fluoride time to stay on the teeth long enough.
The Benefits of Fluoride For Adults In Medford
The main benefit of fluoride for adults is cavity prevention. In fact, it’s such an effective tool that some dental insurance plans cover fluoride treatments for adults to reduce the overall dental work they’ll need. If you’re insured, take a look at your plan or ask your dentist to see if fluoride is covered. Even if it’s not, it’s still a worthwhile consideration, especially if you’re prone to getting a lot of cavities.
Another great benefit of fluoride for adults is improvements in sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Using topical fluoride consistently can really make a difference for people who struggle to enjoy hot or cold foods and beverages. In addition to professional treatments every six months, your dentist can also prescribe a high-fluoride toothpaste or you can simply use fluoride mouthwash at home (although the concentration is much less in over-the-counter products.)
Most people would agree that they’d rather avoid dental work if at all possible. With good prevention strategies, including professional fluoride treatments, you can look forward to spending a lot less time in the dental chair.
About the Author
Dr. Michael DeSivo is a family dentist in Medford and a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. As an advocate for prevention, he recommends fluoride treatments for both children and adults as a way to help them avoid cavities and minimize major dental work. If you’d like to know more about cavity prevention or have any questions, he can be reached via his website.