You may think that only children and teens benefit from in-office fluoride treatments, given the importance of protecting their young teeth. But in-office fluoride treatments can offer huge dental health benefits to adults as well!
Studies have shown that at least ninety-two percent of adults between the ages of twenty and sixty-five experience tooth decay and cavities. If anything, the effects of aging on teeth make in-office fluoride treatment even more important for adults!
Keep reading to learn five of the ways in which in-office fluoride treatments are beneficial for your teeth!
1. For Increased Protection Against Decay:Â
As you age, tooth enamel tends to wear away, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Fluoride treatments can strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
In-office fluoride treatments allow teeth to bring together calcium and phosphate ions, which naturally strengthen email. The stronger the enamel is on your teeth, the less likely it is to start to decay.
2. For the Reversal of Early Cavities:Â
In some cases, in-office fluoride treatments can help reverse the early stages of tooth decay by re-mineralizing the affected areas of tooth enamel. Re-mineralizing the enamel can prevent the need for more invasive dental procedures, like fillings.
Even a small cavity can significantly impact your oral health, potentially causing toothache, infection, and bleeding gums. Treating early cavities with fluoride can stop minor dental problems from affecting your overall dental health.
3. To Reduce or Prevent Sensitivity:Â
Another benefit of in-office fluoride treatments is the reduction and prevention of tooth sensitivity. Teeth can develop sensitivity as tooth enamel wears down over time, usually from everyday wear and tear or natural mineral loss.
Fluoride treatments can help ease the discomfort caused by sensitive teeth by strengthening tooth enamel. Stronger tooth enamel not only protects your teeth against decay it also restores your ability to enjoy both hot and cold food and beverages comfortably.
4. As a Boost to Your Home Care Routine
While a regular home dental care routine is essential to oral health, in-office fluoride treatments can boost the effectiveness of your home care. Fluoride treatments complement your at-home routine by adding an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.
Even if you are diligent about brushing your teeth, it can be difficult to effectively brush hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. In-office fluoride treatments cover all the surfaces of your teeth, ensuring that spots you may have missed still have a defense against the bacteria that leads to tooth decay.
5. To Meet Your Individual Dental Care Needs
Because your dentist and dental hygienist know your teeth so well, in-office fluoride treatments can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Based on your dental history, your dentist or dental hygienist can more accurately determine the appropriate concentration and frequency of fluoride application, ensuring that you receive the optimal level of protection and care.
Fluoride treatments are especially important if you are suffering from some level of gum disease. Because your gums naturally recede as you age, effective fluoride treatments around the gum line can help prevent gum disease from leading to tooth loss.
Opting for an in-office fluoride treatment is a smart way to stay proactive about maintaining optimal oral health and preventing future dental problems. Getting an in-office fluoride treatment is a valuable addition to your dental health care checkup at any age!
Do you want to learn more about fluoride treatments? Schedule an appointment at Merry Dental in Billerica, MA, today!