Just as children benefit from daily doses of fluoride, so do
the adults for its importance toward fighting tooth decay. While everyone
should be using fluoride toothpaste each day, there are some adults who would
benefit from even more fluoride in their lives, especially if they have a
higher risk for tooth decay. So, the question remains: which adults are at
greater risk? Some of the factors below may help you find an answer.
Dry Mouth
If adults find themselves suffering from dry mouth, there
are at greater risk for developing tooth decay since saliva flow washes away
the food debris that feeds decay-causing bacteria. Dry mouth can be a side
effect of medicine, such as antihistamines or those for anxiety, high blood
pressure, and allergies. Notable diseases, such as diabetes and Sjögren's
syndrome, can also cause dry mouth.
To protect your teeth against the effects of dry mouth, you
can try fluoride mouthwash, which can help moisten the mouth and thereby
protect teeth. You can also can try saliva substitutes or chewing sugar-free
gum (that contains xylitol) to increase saliva flow.
Receding Gums
As you hit adulthood, it’s possible you already have some
form of gum disease, which can cause the gums to recede, exposing more of the
teeth and giving bacteria more space. This can increase your risk of developing
cavities under the enamel in your teeth’s roots. For protecting the roots of
your teeth, a dentist can brush them with a fluoride gel or varnish. Prescribed
fluoride gel or fluoride mouthwash can also get you more fluoride for
protecting your exposed teeth.
Recent Filling
If you’ve had serious enough tooth decay that required a
filling, you are still at risk for further decay. The bacteria and the other
conditions within your mouth that lead to the filling may still be present.
Because of this continued risk, you should remain vigilant in your fluoride use
as part of your daily oral healthcare routine.
Crowns or Bridges
Even a crowned tooth is not safe from tooth decay. If there
is natural tooth left, it remains at risk. The ends of a crown or filling could
hide decay-causing bacteria, but enough fluoride could protect that tooth from
decay. With some cases, the decaying process could stop altogether, thereby allowing
the tooth to remineralize.
Dental Braces
Permanent braces can make it hard to help all areas in the
mouth clean, and food can easily get lodged and create plaque, leading to
cavities. So, a daily fluoride gel or rinse can add protections for your teeth
against an increased risk of tooth decay.
Radiation Therapy to
the Neck or Head
Adults who receive this kind of therapy have a much higher
risk of developing tooth decay because radiation can damage a person’s salivary
glands. As a result, dry mouth may develop. If this happens, copious quantities
of fluoride are necessary for preventing any decay. Dentists can actually make
a customized fluoride gel tray—just place the tray over each row of teeth for about
five minutes a piece every day. Do not rinse out your mouth for about 30
minutes after this treatment. Visiting the dentist every 2 or 3 months is also
optimal.
If you see tooth decay, it is time to visit your dentist! If
you are tired of paying those high bills, consider using our New Hampshire
discount dental care plan
that can save you as much as 20 percent off your
bill. For more information on our individual, family, and business plans, click
here.
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