Should Adults Receive Fluoride Varnish?

No treatment is right for every patient, but for many adults, fluoride varnish is an effective way to strengthen teeth and prevent decay. If you want to learn more about topical fluoride and whether or not it will improve your oral health, ask your dentist at your next dental checkup. You can also read this post to learn more about the ins and outs of topical fluoride treatments.

What is Fluoride Varnish?

Fluoride varnish is a clear coating of topical fluoride applied to teeth to strengthen enamel and reduce risk for tooth decay and dental sensitivity. These topical varnishes are typically applied during dental checkups, but some patients with severe tooth sensitivity or chronic decay, at-home fluoride varnishes may also be recommended.

Who Should Consider Topical Fluoride?

Many patients think topical fluoride is just for kids with cavities or those who live in areas where there isn’t fluoridated drinking water. However, topical fluoride treatments can benefit a wide range of patients, including:

• Kids who are still developing healthy teeth and healthy oral hygiene routines
• Adults who have dental sensitivity
• Adults who experience chronic tooth decay
• Adults who have excessive dental wear or thin tooth enamel

What Should I Expect from Fluoride Treatment?

Topical fluoride treatment is quick and painless. You may not even notice your fluoride varnish is in place until your dentist warns against eating for the next thirty minutes to an hour. We’ll simply dry your teeth after your examination and teeth cleaning. Then, we apply a coating of fluoride varnish. Once dry, the fluoride will remain in place and strengthen your smile.

How Does Fluoride Varnish Help?

Once in place, fluoride varnish works to attract minerals that strengthen and fortify porous tooth enamel. When applied during regular six month checkups, topical fluoride treatments reduce risk for tooth decay and increase tooth enamel density between office visits, ensuring patients of all ages can make their most of their at-home hygiene routines.

Meet Dr. Kelly

At the Boonville dentistry practice of Joseph T. Kelly, DDS we create personalized dental care plans with a focus on prevention. We encourage patients to visit us at least two times each year for preventive dental checkups. During these appointments, we will examine your smile and evaluate your oral health. If we believe fluoride varnish will benefit your oral health, we’ll recommend you receive these treatments during each six month dental checkups. If you have questions or need to schedule your dental checkup at Great Impression Dental, give our team a call today. We’re here to help whenever you need us.