My dental supply company, Burkhart Dental Supply, a Practice Support Team, has shared one of the best informational talking points for fluoride varnish and prescription fluoride concerns that I have seen, especially with Utah and now Florida taking fluoride out of the water supply. Here is a brief summary and a link to their extensive fluoride information (scroll down to the bright green Fluoride Resource button and click on it) that I believe will be beneficial for you to know as you work to maintain your dental health.

Addressing Patient Concerns About Fluoride in Water

Recent discussions around the removal of fluoride from public water systems sometimes leave patients with questions about how their oral health could be affected. As dental care providers, we strive to offer clear guidance, ease concerns and share practical solutions to help our patients continue protecting their smiles.

By educating our dental team along with our patients regarding the protective role fluoride can play, as well as exploring effective alternatives if needed, we seek to build trust and reinforce our commitment to long-term dental wellness, regardless of changes in local water fluoridation.

To promote healthy conversations, we are sharing a comprehensive Fluoride Talking Points and Alternatives guide that Burkhart Dental Supply shared with us. We hope you gain a healthy understanding of fluoride’s protection and a variety of fluoride-free options to consider if needed. Below you can also view the solid research behind fluoride’s use in your oral health.

Additional Fluoride Resources:

1.https://www.burkhartdental.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Fluoride-Talking-Points-and-Alternatives-PF.pdf 
2. https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/fluoride-in-water/ada-applauds-usphs-final-recommendation-on-optimalfluoride-level-in-drinking-water/
3. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/fluoride
4. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info/tooth-decay-process
5. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Fluoride-Consumer/
6. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/
7. https://nccd.cdc.gov/DOH_MWF/default/default.aspx
8. https://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?v:project=medlineplus&query=fluoride

The post Communicating Fluoride Benefits and Other Options first appeared on Two Rivers Dentistry.

Elderly seniors have a host of issues to deal with, including the fact that they can’t brush their teeth like they used to, or floss due to arthritis or dementia, or whatever their health care concern is.  That lack of good oral hygiene combined with many who take a host of medications that cause dry mouth creates an epidemic of caries, and particularly root caries.

When the cavity starts destroying the root of the tooth next to the bone, it becomes a heroic endeavor to try to save or restore the tooth.  It also becomes quite expensive when you have to replace crowns or have to resort to root canals or implants.  Gum disease, lack of care, bone loss, and the inability to clean down the infected areas also make seniors more prone to tooth loss. Seniors are usually on a fixed budget which makes it hard to pay for the needed care. In addition, many seniors have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and are prone to pulmonary infections such as pneumonia, and heart issues. The infection in the gums can complicate and worsen their entire health condition.

Keeping the mouth free of infection and healthy is one of the keys to preserving the oral health of this category of patients.  In addition, the best way to prevent root caries is with fluoride and the best time to apply the new varnishes we have is right after the dental cleaning.  It typically isn’t covered by insurance, but it can be so effective.  The prescription toothpaste we provide our patients, such as ClinPro 5000 and Prevident, allow the person to apply the fluoride at home on a daily basis, helping to prevent root cavities.  We also love the Carifree products, such as the treatment rinse and maintenance rinse, to bring the pH of the mouth back up out of the acid zone and kill some of these unhealthy bacteria.

Additionally, if the patient would avoid sucking on lozenges and drinking acidic beverages and such they can prevent a lot of these problems on their own.  Many of our elderly patients (including my own mother) benefit by coming in every three months for a cleaning to help debride the mouth of the unhealthy biofilm that causes dental problems.

In short, we have found that preventative in-office care can help seniors avoid losing their teeth and impact their ability to chew effectively. Also, many seniors go downhill after losing teeth. Preventative care can also be a lot cheaper in the long run, thus saving them a lot of money.

If you are a senior or know someone in your family who could benefit from a preventative care approach to dentistry, please give us a call at 360-256-1202.  We can do a lot to help keep your mouth healthy and avoid the epidemic of root caries and periodontal disease that we are seeing. At Two Rivers Dentistry, our dedicated dentist, Dr. Vaughn Teuscher and his team are happy to serve our senior patients in Vancouver, Washington.

The post HELPING SENIORS GET THE QUALITY DENTAL CARE THEY NEED first appeared on Two Rivers Dentistry.

“Adults have fond memories of walking into their grandparents’ bedroom as children, only to see grandma’s teeth in a cup by her bedside table. This common scenario leads to many interesting questions from young children, but it also hides a serious health concern. While dentures can be common in some older adults, they are more than just a funny family story. They’re a sign that older adults are at greater risk for oral health problems like tooth decay and loss.”

“Oral health is about more than just aesthetics and the ability to eat. Gum disease and tooth decay actually increase the risk of other health problems, including cardiovascular disease and bacterial infections. Sadly, over half of all older adults, 68% to be exact, suffer from gum disease, and nearly 20% have untreated cavities. Oral health and the resulting health problems are serious risks for older adults.”

“This guide explores some of the reasons seniors are at such high risk for oral health problems. It also looks at solutions to some of those problems, while giving tips on dental hygiene for older adults. Finally, it provides a list of low-cost resources for seniors who cannot afford dental care.”

Seniors and the Risk for Oral Health Problems

“Older adults face unique challenges that make it harder for them to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Yet without proper dental care, they’re at higher risk for serious medical issues beyond just the teeth and gums. Understanding these risk factors may help you find ways to overcome them as you assist the senior in your life in embracing good oral health.”

Full Article:
Seniors and Dental Health: A Comprehensive Guide to a Healthy Mouth

The post A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO BETTER DENTAL HEALTH FOR SENIORS first appeared on Two Rivers Dentistry.