{"id":241,"date":"2021-09-10T04:20:53","date_gmt":"2021-09-10T04:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jerseydentist.com\/blog\/?p=241"},"modified":"2021-10-10T04:21:18","modified_gmt":"2021-10-10T04:21:18","slug":"do-adults-need-fluoride-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jerseydentist.com\/blog\/do-adults-need-fluoride-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Am I Too Old for a Fluoride Treatment?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Woman<\/a>If your child has been to a dentist, they likely had a fluoride treatment along with their semi-annual cleaning and checkup. The quick, painless preventive step<\/a> is crucial for protecting young smiles from tooth decay, but do adults need fluoride treatments, too? Although you might believe they are only for children, you\u2019re never too old to benefit from the protection of fluoride. With 26% of adults in the U.S. having untreated tooth decay, it\u2019s a simple solution to safeguard your smile.<\/p>\n

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Prevalence of Tooth Decay in Adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Children are prone to cavities because they don\u2019t have the best oral hygiene techniques; however, adults aren\u2019t immune to decay. At least 92% of adults have had one or more cavities in a permanent tooth. Besides the usual culprits, like sugary drinks and poor oral hygiene, your risk of decay can increase from another factor you can\u2019t avoid\u2013age. Years of wear and tear will take a toll on your enamel. Over time, it will demineralize and weaken, making it less resistant to cavity-causing bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fluoride Can Prevent Cavities in Adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fluoride is known as \u201cnature\u2019s cavity fighter\u201d because it can remineralize the enamel. For over 70 years, fluoride has been proven effective at stopping decay. It is even listed as one of the \u201c10 great public health achievements of the 20th<\/sup> century.\u201d Although it can\u2019t reverse cavities, it can strengthen weakened areas to restore your enamel\u2019s strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says fluoridated water and toothpaste are the best means to get the mineral, but some adults can advantage from a fluoride varnish. While many people know about the benefits of fluoride for young smiles, it can be equally important for adults. A 2007 study by the CDC found fluoride prevents as much as 27% of cavities in adults of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candidates for a Fluoride Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most adults receive adequate fluoride through dental products used at home and by drinking tap water, but some people may warrant a little extra to boost their level of protection to fight against decay. Often, a fluoride treatment is recommended for patients experiencing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n