When Should You Stop Getting Fluoride Treatments at the Dentist?

Fluoride treatments are typically recommended for babies and children between 6 months and 16 years old, as this is the period of time during which the primary and permanent teeth come out. However, adults can also benefit from fluoride, as new research indicates that topical fluoride (from toothpastes, mouthwashes, and fluoride treatments) is just as important for fighting tooth decay as it is for strengthening developing teeth. Fluoride has an additional electron that helps it adhere to the calcium in the tooth, creating a stronger enamel coating. If you have any questions or concerns about how much fluoride you or your child may be receiving, it's best to speak to your dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor.

It's important to note that fluoride cannot eliminate cavities, but it will create a stronger outer surface on the teeth to prevent decay from spreading to other sensitive parts of the teeth. Fluoride is found naturally in most water sources, but adding small amounts of fluoride to tap water is especially beneficial for people who don't have regular access to a dentist. Fluoride is available in toothpaste and tap water and provides many benefits that the human body needs. If the dentist uses a tray to apply fluoride, he will take dental impressions of your teeth to prepare a personalized tray specifically for your mouth.

If you use a domestic water treatment system, test the water at least once a year to determine the level of fluoride your family gets in the treated water. Fluoride helps maintain tooth health by fighting bacteria that can cause tooth decay or cavities, and it also offers a protective layer around each tooth to protect it. Fluoride works by restoring minerals to the tooth surface, which may have eroded due to bacterial attacks. Before fluoride was added to toothpaste, studies found that people with fluoridated water were 40 to 60 percent less likely to have tooth decay. In conclusion, fluoride treatments usually end around age 14, but some people continue to receive them into adulthood.

Adults can also benefit from fluoride treatments, as they help fight bacteria that can cause tooth decay or cavities and offer a protective layer around each tooth. If you have any questions or concerns about how much fluoride you or your child may be receiving, it's best to speak to your dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor.