Should You Eat Immediately After Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound that strengthens your tooth enamel and helps fight harmful bacteria in the mouth. Although some fluoride is available naturally, some are available artificially. It is applied to the teeth through gels or foams. It strengthens your teeth and protects them from tooth decay. If you are at risk of developing cavities, contact a dental professional to begin fluoride treatment.
Some questions may come up once you book an appointment to visit a dentist’s office near you. When can I eat after fluoride treatment? When can I brush my teeth after fluoride treatment? To clear the air, the dentist discusses all the information regarding fluoride treatment, including the procedures, benefits, risks, and costs.
Taking care of your dental health is paramount to your overall health. Maintaining perfect oral hygiene helps in preventing teeth damage and improving your confidence.
What to expect during professional fluoride treatment
If you are at risk of developing cavities, you may require fluoride treatment. You can get fluoride treatment near you at an affordable cost. Professional fluoride treatment has a higher level of fluoride than tap water and toothpaste. Luckily, the procedure only takes a couple of minutes.
However, treatment varies among different individuals. Make sure you share your health history and any underlying medical conditions with the dentist. Disclosing this vital information ensures the dentist picks the most effective treatment option for you.
When should you start eating?
The dentist recommends that you avoid eating anything for 30 minutes after receiving fluoride treatment. The half-hour period is enough for all the fluoride to be absorbed entirely. Some brands available in the market have a longer period ranging between 4 to 6 hours.
Fluoride treatment procedure
Although you get exposed to fluoride daily by drinking tap water, it’s usually not sufficient to substantially increase oral health. Fluoride can be applied in the form of a gel, varnish, or foam on your teeth. The dentist uses the most appropriate dosage for best results. You can enhance the fluoride treatment by purchasing it and including it in your regular dental practice.
The whole procedure takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour. The dentist first dries your mouth with an extractor to clean the teeth and mouth, then applies the fluoride in the most appropriate form. They use a swab to apply fluoride on all teeth. After several minutes, the dentist uses a mouth rinse to eject any foreign material.
Interestingly, the process is non-invasive and thus very safe for both adults and children above the age of five. It’s also essential for people with conditions that erode their teeth.
What to eat after professional fluoride treatment?
The dentist recommends that you avoid eating for only 30 minutes, and there are several other post-treatment guidelines to adhere to and ensure effectiveness in the treatment. You should carefully observe what you eat after the given time span as well.
Since the treatment makes your gums and teeth sensitive, avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks. Similarly, stay away from extremely acidic foods. You should avoid frozen foods, crunchy foods, spicy foods, sugary drinks/snacks, and citrus fruits.
It’s advisable to eat soft foods after a dental cleaning or fluoride treatment. The foods include soups, soft foods, salads, and hard-boiled eggs.
Tips after fluoride treatment
- Avoid brushing or flossing your teeth
- Avoid using mouthwash or any alcohol product
- Stay away from hard foods, hot drinks, and extra-cold drinks
Conclusion
Getting a fluoride treatment near you is very straightforward. Visit a dentist office near you, such as Daily Dental & Bracesbar, for a routine dental exam or a consultation. The dental office offers excellent fluoride treatment and post-treatment guidelines, thanks to their extra qualified dentists.