You've heard about fluoride since you were a child. It's in your toothpaste, your mouthwash, and even your tap water. You know it's good for your teeth, but do you need to keep using it as an adult?
The answer is: it depends.
What is Fluoride and How Does it Work?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities. It works by making tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and sugar.
During childhood, when your teeth are still developing, fluoride plays a critical role in building strong, healthy enamel. However, even as adults, our teeth are constantly under attack from the foods and drinks we consume. Fluoride can help repair early signs of tooth decay and prevent future cavities.
Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?
While everyone can benefit from fluoride, the need for additional fluoride treatments in adulthood depends on several factors:
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Your risk of cavities: If you have a high risk of cavities due to factors like frequent snacking, poor oral hygiene, or dry mouth, your dentist may recommend regular fluoride treatments.
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Your current fluoride intake: If you drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste, you may be getting enough fluoride already.
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Your oral health: If you have existing cavities or other dental problems, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments as part of your treatment plan.
Types of Adult Fluoride Treatments
There are several different types of fluoride treatments available for adults:
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Fluoride toothpaste: This is the most common way for adults to get fluoride. Look for a toothpaste with at least 1350 ppm fluoride.
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Fluoride mouthwash: This can be used in addition to fluoride toothpaste to increase your fluoride intake.
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Professional fluoride treatments: These treatments are applied by your dentist during a regular cleaning. They are more concentrated than the fluoride you get from toothpaste or mouthwash.
Talking to Your Dentist
The best way to determine if you need adult fluoride treatments is to talk to your dentist. They can assess your individual risk factors and recommend the best course of action for you.
During your next dental checkup, ask your dentist about fluoride and whether you would benefit from additional treatments. They can help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
Titan Dental: Your Partner in Oral Health
At Titan Dental, we are committed to providing our patients with the information and care they need to maintain optimal oral health. We offer a wide range of services, including professional fluoride treatments, to help adults and children of all ages achieve and maintain healthy smiles.
If you have any questions about fluoride or your oral health, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help.
Dentist Tigard, OR | Dental Blog - Lincoln Center Smiles Dr. Saklofsky has created an educational blog as a resource for our patients. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please share it to social media, then call (971) 317-9499 to make an appointment. Lincoln Center Smiles, 10500 SW Greenburg Rd, Suite 3, Portland, OR 97223-1406 - (503) 598-0898 - sakdental.com - 11/9/2025 - Related Terms: dentist Tigard OR -
You've heard about fluoride since you were a child. It's in your toothpaste, your mouthwash, and even your tap water. You know it's good for your teeth, but do you need to keep using it as an adult?