Can Fluoride Help Adults?

Fluoride isn't just for children.

"The use of fluoride can prove beneficial for both children and adults," says Sandra Burkett, D.D.S. Dr. Burkett is an instructor of clinical dentistry at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

Young children were the main focus of early efforts to add fluoride to water. Now, research has shown that fluoride applied directly to teeth is just as important for fighting decay.

"The regular use of fluoride helps to protect the permanent teeth from decay and sensitivity," Dr. Burkett says. "This allows patients to keep their permanent teeth much longer."

Everyone should use fluoride every day. But some adults are at higher risk of decay than others. They might need more intensive use of supplements. To find out if you might be one of them, consider these questions:

1. Are you taking any medicines that cause your mouth to become dry? Do you have a disease that causes dry mouth?

Many adults take medicines that can cause dry mouth, which is also called xerostomia. Many common drugs have this side effect. They include antihistamines and medicines for allergies, anxiety and high blood pressure.

Some diseases also can cause dry mouth. The most notable are Sjögren's syndrome and diabetes.

"Decreased saliva flow can increase your risk for dental decay," Dr. Burkett says.

That's because saliva washes away bits of food that are fuel for decay-causing bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that decay teeth. Saliva helps to neutralize the acids. It also contains many minerals, including fluoride, that help keep your teeth decay-free.

If you are having dry mouth, try using a fluoride mouthwash. It can help to moisten your mouth and protect your teeth. Saliva substitutes are also available at the pharmacy. Many people use them to replace the saliva they have lost.

Dr. Burkett also recommends sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum to increase the flow of saliva. In particular, she recommends products that contain xylitol. This natural sugar helps to protect teeth from decay.

2. Have your gums receded so more of your teeth show, or has your dentist told you that you have periodontal (gum) disease?

By the time you're an adult, you may already have some form of periodontal disease. This condition can cause your gums to recede and expose more of your teeth. Receding gums give bacteria more room to roam and put you at risk of getting cavities in the roots of your teeth. For example, more than half of adults over age 75 have had root decay. If your dentist has treated you for periodontal disease, your gums may have been reshaped. This process exposes tooth roots, which also can lead to decay.

To protect your teeth's roots, your dentist can paint a fluoride varnish or gel on them. You can use a fluoride mouthwash or a prescription fluoride gel to get more fluoride.

3. Have you needed a filling in the last year?

If you have had recent tooth decay, you're at risk for more. You still have the bacteria and other conditions in your mouth that can lead to cavities. "The use of fluoride should be an important part of your daily oral health care regimen if you have prior cavities," Dr. Burkett says.

4. Do you have crowned teeth and/or bridges?

Crowned teeth are not safe from cavities. As long as some natural tooth remains, these teeth are at risk. "The edges of fillings or crowns can provide a hiding place for decay-causing bacteria," Dr. Burkett says. "Fluoride can protect the tooth from decay. In certain cases, it can stop the decay process and allow the tooth to get stronger."

5. Are you wearing dental braces?

"Braces make it difficult for you to reach all areas of the teeth. They provide niches where food can become lodged. The plaque that forms as a result can lead to cavities," Dr. Burkett says. "Your dentist can recommend a fluoride rinse or gel. Applying this daily protects the teeth against cavities."

6. Are you receiving, or have you received, radiation therapy to the head and neck?

Adults who get this type of therapy are at very high risk of tooth decay. That's because the radiation damages their salivary glands, causing dry mouth. Saliva fights tooth decay, so people with dry mouth are at higher risk for decay.

"If dry mouth results from radiation therapy, then it is important that you use generous amounts of fluoride to prevent decay," Dr. Burkett says. "You also should visit your dentist every two to three months, or as recommended."
space placeholder