Do adults get fluoride treatments?

Do adults need fluoride treatments?

The ADA says community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by roughly 20% to 40% in both children and adults, and that routine use of professional gels and foams likely helps mainly adults at high risk for decay, especially those who do not drink fluoridated water and do not brush daily with fluoride toothpaste. In 2013 an ADA panel recommended professionally applied or prescription-strength fluorides for patients aged 6 and older at elevated cavity risk, and noted that low-risk patients may gain some added benefit beyond toothpaste and fluoridated water. So not every adult needs one; your dentist decides from your cavity risk.

Are fluoride treatments necessary for adults?

Not necessarily. Cleveland Clinic says many people get treatments about every six months and that people prone to cavities may need them more often. It lists dry mouth, frequent sugary or starchy snacking, a family history, gum recession and past radiation to the head and neck as risk factors for decay. If you have none and brush with fluoride toothpaste, ask whether you need one at all.

How is a professional fluoride treatment given?

Cleveland Clinic says a dentist or hygienist applies fluoride as a gel, foam or varnish during a routine exam or cleaning, usually in under five minutes. The ADA says gel is typically applied for one to four minutes, usually at three- to twelve-month intervals, and that because applications are infrequent they pose little fluorosis risk. Varnish is painted on by a professional, hardens on contact with saliva and stays on the teeth for several hours, with at least two applications a year for sustained benefit. Proper technique limits how much varnish a patient swallows.

What does fluoride do for adult teeth?

Cleveland Clinic says fluoride makes enamel more resistant to acid attacks, helps remineralize enamel and can reverse early decay, and that decay occurs when mineral loss outpaces regain. Exposed roots in people with receding gums are more vulnerable, which is a common reason adults benefit. Our guides on tooth enamel explain remineralization.

What is silver diamine fluoride?

The ADA says silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid used to help stop tooth decay. The FDA cleared it for treating tooth sensitivity, so using it to arrest cavities is off-label. It is professionally applied, low-cost and minimally invasive, and is used for baby teeth and some permanent teeth with cavities, older adults including those with root decay, people who cannot tolerate fuller treatment, and situations where many cavities need stabilizing before restorative work. Twice-yearly applications are recommended for lasting benefit and one application is generally not enough. It should be kept off the gums.

How do you apply or remove silver diamine fluoride?

A dentist must apply it, and trained, supervised allied dental staff may where state law allows, according to the ADA, after a patient-specific plan. Do not apply it yourself. The ADA's main side effect is permanent black staining of treated decay, sound mature enamel is generally not stained, and it also lists a metallic taste and possible gum or tissue irritation. The page does not describe a method for removing the stain; it says restoring the arrested lesion can reduce the discoloration. Ask your dentist.

What should you do after a fluoride treatment?

Neither the ADA nor Cleveland Clinic gives post-treatment rules. Cleveland Clinic says to ask your dentist how long to wait before eating or drinking, and the ADA says professionally applied varnish wears off over several hours but gives no eating or rinsing guidance. Our guide on eating after fluoride treatment covers this, and the guide on what to avoid depends on the product used, so ask.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to a check-up.

• Am I at high risk for cavities, and would fluoride help me?
• Which product do you recommend: varnish, gel, foam or silver diamine?
• How often should I have it?
• What should I avoid afterwards?
• Will silver diamine stain my teeth, and could they be restored?

Frequently asked questions