Mountain West Dental Specialists is your Las Vegas pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care provider. One aspect of that care is our commitment to keeping the amazing people of Las Vegas and the surroundings well-informed about all the best ways they can care for themselves and their smiles. That’s for the whole family, not just the kids!
And that’s what we want to talk about today: how we, as adults, can do a great job taking care of our teeth. Indeed, having a great dental hygiene foundation will always be necessary, starting with regular brushing and flossing, maintaining a great diet, and following Dr. Keaton and Dr. Allison’s recommendations.
But every now and then, getting a little extra help when it comes to the care and maintenance of our teeth can be beneficial, and that’s where adult fluoride treatments come in!
If your child has seen Dr. Keaton or Dr. Allison, chances they’ve received pediatric fluoride treatments since the American Dental Association recommends them as a standard of care for pediatric dental patients. But did you know that adult fluoride treatments can often provide many of the same benefits? Namely, they can significantly strengthen your teeth and repair the early stages of enamel loss and tooth decay. Read on, and we’ll discuss five facts about adult fluoride treatment.
Before We Start, What Is Fluoride?
Great question! Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in many of the foods we eat every day. Fluoride has a ton of health benefits. In particular, it does a really great job of strengthening the enamel of our teeth. That’s why, way back in 1945, we began experimenting with fluoride to tap water, and by 1951, it became an official policy of the United States Public Health Service.
So, If I Already Ingest Fluoride, Why Get Treatment?
Another great question! So, in some cases, adults can benefit from concentrated flouride treatments. This is what’s known as a topical fluoride treatment, and it differs from the fluoride we get every day from our tap water and foods in the concentration. Namely, topical treatments deliver much more fluoride per application. This comes in handy because many adults can benefit from this increased dosage, which they would otherwise never receive in such high quantities and in such a directed manner. So there’s fact #1 – topical fluoride treatments can benefit adults.
The Benefits of Topical Adult Fluoride Treatment
Ok, we’ve established that it can be beneficial to adults to receive topical treatments of flouride. Now let’s talk about how. Namely, if you have a high cavity risk and/or sensitivity, have a high sugar/acidic diet, lack regular dental care, are taking certain medications/dry mouth, or have active decay in the mouth, the sort of concentrated fluoride treatment only available at your dentist’s can have a really significant impact due to the prophylactic benefits of the treatment. So there’s fact #2 – fluoride treatments can benefit adults at high risk for cavities by preventing decay.
So How Does it Work? Does it Hurt?
Definitely not! In fact, fluoride treatment is quick, easy, and totally painless, usually being over and done with in about thirty minutes. So there’s fact #3 – adult fluoride treatments are simple and painless to perform.
During your treatment, Dr. Keaton or Dr. Allison will apply a concentrated solution to the outside of your teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. The fluoride will then quickly bond with the enamel of your teeth, providing substantial long-lasting benefits.
Your procedure will require minimal preparation. All you need to remember is that it’s best to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes to an hour beforehand. This is important since, for the fluoride to bond with the enamel of your teeth properly, it must have a clean surface to adhere to. Dr. Keaton or Dr. Allison may also make additional recommendations, but these will be minimal, if any. Adult fluoride treatment is about as simple as any medical procedure can be!
So, I’ve Gotten My Treatment. Now What?
Congratulations! You’ve just had a procedure that will work as part of a well-rounded dental hygiene plan to reduce your risk for cavities and tooth decay drastically! You’ve added an extra layer of protection to your teeth, particularly in hard-to-reach areas or those with weakened enamel due to diet or trauma. So there’s fact #4 – adult fluoride treatment can be a vital addition to a well-rounded dental hygiene program.
Can Flouride Repair Pre-existing Tooth Damage?
Yes, it can! Leading us to fact #5 – adult fluoride treatments can remineralize weakened enamel. By enhancing the natural process of minerals like calcium and phosphate being deposited back into the enamel, adult fluoride treatment can be a significant tool in reversing early signs of tooth decay and restoring the tooth’s integrity.
For that reason and many others, The American Dental Association recommends that many adults over the age of 18 receive professional topical fluoride application anywhere from every year to every three months!
Strengthen Your Smile Today!
Now that you’ve learned all about adult fluoride treatments, there isn’t nothin’ to it but to do it! Call us at 702-707-6897, or just fill out this form to get started! For all our existing patients, thanks as always for being amazing! And to any new or prospective patients, welcome! We hope you like being part of a family because that’s what we’re all about at Mountain West Dental Specialists!
You’ll love the way you smile with us!
