Topical Fluoride Treatments in San Jose, California
No matter your age, fluoride helps prevent cavities, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
Fluoride helps create healthy teeth, and it’s not just for kids—adults need fluoride too! Every day, acidic foods and drinks threaten to erode tooth enamel. Bacteria as well, can produce acid and dissolve the enamel on a microscopic level. (A process known as Demineralization.) Fortunately, our body fights back by constantly rebuilding enamel with the help of minerals like calcium and fluoride.
Fluoride (or the element fluorine) occurs naturally in water, soil, air, and many foods. It strengthens the teeth, prevents plaque and caries, wards off gum disease, and protects tooth roots. Because it prevents and even reverses the early erosion of tooth enamel, fluoride is added to the public drinking water of many cities as a source of dietary, or “systemic” fluoride. It’s absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body to bones and hard tissues like teeth.
Adult Fluoride Treatments at Evergreen Dental Arts
Fluoride can also be applied directly to the tooth with toothpaste, mouth rinses, or in-office treatments. (Known as “topical” fluoride.) We recommend adults use a fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and have regular dental checkups.
Are you one of the many adults who could benefit from additional fluoride? We’ll help determine that during your appointment. We may observe your condition over one or more checkups or immediately recommend a topical fluoride treatment. We place fluoride gel into a tray, then simply cover the teeth for about 4 minutes. Additionally, for patients with a high risk of dental caries, we may prescribe a gel for daily home use, to be applied with or without a mouth tray for up to six weeks.
You Might Need Extra Fluoride If:
- You experience chronic Dry Mouth (Xerostomia). Lack of proper saliva flow causes an increased risk for cavities
- You have Periodontal disease. Receding gums often leave tooth roots exposed to decay
- You experience more cavities than normal
- You have dental crowns, bridges, or other restorations which may be more prone to decay.
For dental checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments in San Jose, California, contact us today at (408) 532-0435.
