Dr Jerry Simon
September 25th, 2025
Part II: For Adults
By Dr. Jerry Simon, Founder of Dental Care Stamford
We recently shared an article, Fluoride: Friend or Foe, about the benefits of fluoride for children. But what about adults? This is Part II—exploring how fluoride continues to protect your teeth well into adulthood.
How Does Fluoride Work to Prevent Decay?
To understand fluoride, let’s first look at how tooth decay happens. When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth feed on it too. They convert sugar into acid, which weakens (demineralizes) tooth enamel. The more often you eat sugar, the more acid is produced—and the greater the risk for cavities.
There are three main ways to fight decay:
That’s where fluoride comes in.
Fluoride in Childhood vs. Adulthood
For children, fluoride in drinking water (about 1 part per million, or 1 PPM) can actually become part of developing teeth, replacing some calcium and forming stronger, more acid-resistant enamel. Once teeth are fully developed—around age 12—water fluoridation has less direct benefit.
But the protective enamel formed during childhood lasts a lifetime. Adults continue to benefit from that early fluoride exposure.
Why Fluoride Still Matters for Adults
Even though fluoridated water doesn’t change adult teeth, fluoride applied directly to the enamel can:
Why Fluoride Still Matters for Adults
Even though fluoridated water doesn’t change adult teeth, fluoride applied directly to the enamel can:
Think of it like applying a protective varnish to wood—it strengthens the outer layer.
Professional vs. Everyday Fluoride Treatments
After using professional fluoride, spit several times to avoid swallowing, and don’t rinse your mouth for about 15 minutes so the fluoride has time to absorb.
The Bottom Line
Fluoride isn’t just for kids—it plays a crucial role in adult dental health too. From strengthening enamel to preventing cavities, professional fluoride treatments and prescription toothpaste can help keep your smile strong for years to come.
If you’d like to learn more about professional strength fluoride, talk to us at Dental Care Stamford. Our team is here to help you protect your teeth and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
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