It’s interesting that we find conspiracy theorists that think fluoride is a communist plot. I don’t think there’s been a more successful campaign in medicine as the addition of fluoride in the public water supply to reduce caries. We know fluoride works. Now we also have to think about the Baby Boomer Generation – people who will keep their teeth longer than ever. With the recession and economy as it stands today, Baby Boomers are prone to tooth decay 1) as they retain their teeth longer, 2) as they may not prioritize dental care due to finances or time constraints, and 3) their dexterity deteriorates an interferes with proper oral homecare.
In my office, we’ve moved away from fluoride gels and toward the fluoride varnish by 3M. I like this product because after a standard prophy and checkup, the hygienist applies it to dry teeth, and it’s sticky, so it lasts for a good period of time. The amount of fluoride that penetrates teeth is greater than with the gels. Fluoride is good for kids, but we should think of it as a good solution for aging adults, as well as high caries risk patients.
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2 responses so far ↓
1 phoenix dentist // Oct 15, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I agree. Most people tend to think of flouride only needed for kids. But adults can often need it too. Very good point!
2 Dentist Richmond Hill // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Aging adults are at high risk for caries and dentists should consider the use of fluoride for these patients.
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