Did you know that more than a thousand medications have the potential to cause dry mouth and may lead to cavities? Fluoride treatments can protect your teeth.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is often called “nature’s cavity fighter”

It works by strengthening weakened tooth enamel, which is an easy way to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth during an office visit and you don’t feel a thing.

Would You Benefit From Fluoride Treatments?

Weakened enamel increases your chance of developing cavities. More people than you might imagine are at an elevated risk. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may benefit from fluoride treatments.

Do you take medicine for seasonal allergies?

Taking any of the following medications may cause dry mouth and increase your risk for cavities: Antihistamines, high blood pressure medicine, antidepressants, pain medicine, muscle relaxers, migraines medicine, diuretics, and medicine for an overactive bladder.

Do you have diabetes or any of the following common medical conditions?

Diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypertension, Sjogren’s syndrome, stress, depression, or snoring. These conditions can lead to dry mouth and increase your risk for cavities.

Are you over the age of 40?

As we age we produce less saliva, which helps to wash away bacteria. With less saliva, we are more prone to cavities.

Do you enjoy consuming acidic foods or beverages?

While acidic foods and beverages are big on flavor, they also weaken your tooth enamel. Acidic foods and beverages include carbonated water, lemon water, citrus, tomato products, coffee, wine, etc.

Do you frequently utilize breath mints or cough drops?

This is often an easy fix for dry mouth but will increase your risk for cavities.

Do you have receding gums?

Gum recession can expose the roots of your teeth, an area which is seven times more likely to develop cavities.

Do you wear braces?

When you wear braces it is more difficult to thoroughly clean your teeth at home, leading to an increased risk for cavities.

Have you had a lot of cavities in the past?

You may be prone to bacteria build-up in your mouth, which will leave you at higher risk for cavities.

Contact us to learn more.

Fluoride treatments are an easy line of defense against cavities. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (847) 367-3050. We look forward to hearing from you.