Tooth decay is the most common dental issue in America. From children to adults, everyone can fall victim to cavities and all the downsides that come with them, from toothache and sensitivity to even tooth loss. To prevent this, getting regular fluoride treatments in Seneca is key.
While a yearly fluoride treatment and good oral hygiene practices can be all you need to protect your smile, people with certain conditions are more prone to tooth decay. For this reason, more frequent applications may be especially beneficial to their oral health. Here, we’ll cover some types of patients who fall into this category.
Ideal Candidates for Fluoride Treatments
Children
Children are especially susceptible to tooth decay because their enamel is still growing, and their brushing habits may be irregular. Additionally, they frequently consume sugary snacks and beverages, which raises their risk of dental cavities.
Frequent fluoride treatments can help prevent cavities by strengthening their enamel and reversing early demineralization symptoms. For this reason, the American Dental Association (ADA) advocates for children to receive fluoride varnish treatments in-office every three to six months.
Elderly Adults
Gum recession is a condition people may have as they age, exposing more decay-prone root surfaces. Additionally, many older adults take medications that reduce saliva flow—compromising the natural remineralization process that saliva helps maintain. The result is an increased risk for root caries and other dental issues.
As a result, dentists might advise older adults to get fluoride treatments every six months. Because of this, they can maintain good oral health and keep their natural teeth longer than previous generations.
Patients with Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Saliva helps remineralize enamel and neutralize acids, making it a natural defense against cavities. But diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, radiation therapy for cancer, and some drugs can significantly lower salivation. These conditions make the oral environment more acidic and decay-prone.
In these situations, regular fluoride treatments provide a barrier of protection and slow the rate of decay.
Patients with Special Health Needs or Orthodontic Appliances
Effective oral hygiene may be difficult for people with physical or developmental disabilities, and people getting orthodontic treatment (such as braces) are more likely to accumulate plaque in difficult-to-reach places. Both situations raise the risk of dental cavities and call for extra preventive measures, such as frequent fluoride treatments.
Protect Your Oral Health with Fluoride Treatments in Seneca
Fluoride is one of the most effective tools in modern dentistry for preventing tooth decay. While regular fluoridated toothpaste and community water fluoridation provide adequate protection for many people, certain patients benefit from more frequent professional fluoride treatments due to their elevated risk for dental caries.
Children, older people, and individuals with dry mouth or other high-risk conditions are examples. If this is your case, contact Hood Family Dentistry and schedule an appointment to get the dental care you need!