FLUORIDE IN ADULT PATIENTS

YOUR ADULT PATIENTS

• More likely to present with caries
• Tend to have more advanced disease
• Barriers to care include insurance, fear
• May not get routine exams
• May not be compliant with treatments

PREVENTION

• Primary prevention avoids dental disease
• Secondary prevention avoids complications
• Infection, tooth loss, gingivitis, pain
• Still important for quality of life
• Prevention reduces dental care costs

TOOLS IN PREVENTION

• Routine exams, radiographs
• Education, early intervention
• Cleanings, fluoride varnishes
• Restorative treatments
• Fluoride

ROLE OF FLUORIDE

• Adults have limited capacity to remineralize
• Fluoride helps strengthen enamel
• Fluoride has positive effects on biofilm
• Reduces caries, periodontitis
• Reduces dental sensitivity

DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY

• Develops when dentinal tubules are exposed
• Dental erosion, gingival recession
• Fluoride gives quick reliable pain reduction
• Toothpastes, mouthwashes, varnishes
• All highly effective

DENTIST'S ROLE

• Screening and early intervention
• Surveillance, cleaning
• Treatment as needed
• Teaching, encouraging
• Understand limitations, secondary prevention

CONCLUSIONS

• Adults more likely to have advanced disease
• Dentist can still practice prevention
• Fluoride important tool in prevention, treatment
• Barriers to care exist more in adults
• Teach, counsel, cajole, whatever is needed!

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