Your trusted Cashmere dental professionals, Dr. Janie, and Dr. Ryan want to give you everything you need to know about fluoride treatment. Here are “5 Facts About Adult Fluoride Treatment” that will help you better understand it. Maintaining our dental health becomes crucial to our overall well-being the older we get, and fluoride treatments play an important role in this endeavor. Our Cashmere Family Dentistry team strives to provide the best care for your oral well-being.
Fact #1: Fluoride Strengthens Teeth and Prevents Decay
One of the biggest advantages of adult fluoride treatment is its powerful role in strengthening teeth and warding off decay. The rigid outside layer of your teeth, known as enamel, is constantly under attack by bacteria and sugars in our diet. Over time, these assailants can wear down our teeth, leading to cavities, sensitivity, and other oral health issues.
But here’s where fluoride steps in, like a knight in shining armor! When you apply fluoride to your teeth, your enamel absorbs it. That makes it harder and more resistant to decay. You might hear one of the doctors call it remineralization (try finding that one in a crossword puzzle!). Fluoride can ease and repair tooth decay’s early stages and even prevent future decay. It’s like a shield, offering an added layer of protection against those pesky oral bacteria.
You might think, “But I use fluoride toothpaste; isn’t that enough?” While fluoride toothpaste is an excellent part of daily oral hygiene, professional fluoride treatments offer a much higher concentration of fluoride, offering enhanced protection and strengthening benefits. At Cashmere Family Dentistry, Dr. Janie and Dr. Ryan encourage periodic fluoride treatments for adults, particularly those at a higher risk of tooth decay. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your pearly whites in shape!
Fact #2: The Risk of Decay Increases with Age
Age is a number that affects various facets of our lives, and unfortunately, oral health is no exception. Why does this happen? There are a few different reasons.
First, your gums naturally recede over time. This exposes more of your teeth’s surface and roots. They’re not as well protected as the crowns of your teeth. This makes these areas more susceptible to the harmful effects of bacteria and acids in your mouth.
Secondly, many adults take medications that can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Saliva is a key ingredient to oral health. It helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids. When we have a dry mouth, we have less saliva. So our likelihood of tooth decay increases significantly.
A lifetime of eating, speaking, grinding, and clenching can wear down our teeth. While these activities are part of normal life, they weaken tooth enamel. When combined, these circumstances create a higher risk of tooth decay in older adults.
This is where the benefits of adult fluoride treatments shine. By strengthening your enamel and combating the factors that make your teeth more prone to decay, fluoride can help you maintain good oral health at any age. It’s an aspect of dental care that Dr. Janie and Dr. Ryan at Cashmere Family Dentistry feel strongly about, particularly for adult patients.
Fact #3: Fluoride Treatments are Safe and Effective
Countless scientific studies and years of dental practice have demonstrated the safety of fluoride when used as directed. Both the American Dental Association and the World Health Organization endorse fluoride use for its marked benefits on dental health.
Fluoride treatments give you a concentrated form of fluoride not typically found in everyday oral care products like toothpaste and mouthwash. This increased strength is key to combating tooth decay. When applied to your teeth, fluoride is absorbed into the enamel, helping to rebuild weakened tooth structure and hinder the growth of harmful oral bacteria that cause decay.
In the hands of experienced professionals like Dr. Janie and Dr. Ryan at Cashmere Family Dentistry, adult fluoride treatment is a reliable and beneficial aspect of dental care. They’re a preventive measure that packs a punch, ensuring you continue to greet the world with your healthiest smile.
Fact #4: Fluoride Treatments Can Help Save Money in the Long Run
Our doctors always prefer early intervention over later repair. While a fluoride treatment might seem like an added expense, the reality is that this small investment can yield big dividends in the long run.
When fluoride treatments strengthen your teeth, they minimize your risk of problems like cavities and decay, the treatments for which can cost a lot more. Imagine the costs associated with fillings, crowns, or root canals. Moreover, these treatments can be time-consuming and may require multiple appointments.
Dr. Janie and Dr. Ryan at Cashmere Family Dentistry are not just your dentists but your long-term oral health partners. Their goal is to help you maintain optimal oral health, reducing the need for extensive (and often expensive) dental work in the future. By investing in preventive measures like fluoride treatments, you’re saving potential financial burdens down the line.
Fact #5: Fluoride Treatments are Convenient and Easily Accessible
When considering oral health treatments, convenience plays a crucial role. Thankfully, adult fluoride treatments fit the bill perfectly! These treatments can seamlessly incorporate routine dental check-ups at Cashmere Family Dentistry.
After the doctors clean your teeth, they can apply a high-concentration fluoride gel, foam, or varnish. Our team prefers varnish. This process is done in minutes. The fluoride product remains on your teeth for a short time after application, usually about 30 minutes, during which you’re advised not to eat, drink or smoke to let the fluoride do its work. Convenience extends beyond the treatment itself. Our team at Cashmere Family Dentistry can provide guidance on at-home fluoride treatments, like specific mouthwashes or toothpaste.
Fluoride Treatment In Cashmere
Dr. Janie and Dr. Ryan can answer these and any other questions you might have. The Cashmere Family Dentistry team can’t wait to help you meet your treatment goals. We’re here to serve our community of Cashmere. Go here to request an appointment.
