Do People Over 60 Require Flouride Treatments?

Used properly, fluoride safely and effectively protects children's developing teeth from decay and provides protection throughout life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, adults, including those over 60, do not require fluoride treatments, unless they are at increased risk for cavities.

Considerations

• Adults who don't have a history of tooth decay likely get all the fluoride protection they need from fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste. Adults who have a history of cavities, though, should find out if their dentist recommends that they receive regular fluoride treatments.

Conditions

• Certain conditions make some adults more vulnerable to tooth decay and thus more likely to require fluoride applications. These conditions include dry mouth and recessed gums, which become more prevalent with age.

Medications

• Dry mouth, caused by certain medications and diseases, reduces production of saliva, which washes away food and plaque from teeth, limits bacterial growth and neutralizes damaging acids in the mouth. Since many older adults take multiple medications, they are more likely than younger adults to experience dry mouth.

Warning

• Many older adults today still have their natural teeth, but as they age they are at risk of receding gums. As gums pull away, they expose tooth roots to bacteria and plaque, which eat away at the roots' natural coating, called cementum, and lead to root decay.