Fluoride Treatment: Aftercare and Eating Guide

Fluoride treatment is a pain-free and minimally-invasive method to prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth. It uses a more concentrated and safe fluoride quantity. The dentist usually uses two kinds of fluorides in the treatment – neutral sodium fluoride and acidulated phosphate fluoride. After the fluoride treatment, our gums and teeth are sensitive. Therefore, it’s best to avoid some foods. Make sure you follow the eating and aftercare guide suggested by the dentist.

Should I Eat After Fluoride Treatment in Excelsior, MN, Immediately?

Although fluoride does not stop you from chewing properly, refraining from hard food varieties is essential. The dentist recommends waiting at least 30 minutes to eat, drink or wash your mouth after the topical application of fluoride. It will ensure the maximum efficacy of fluoride. Before eating as comfortably as you desire, wait for around 6 hours.

What to Eat?

Since professional fluoride treatment makes the teeth and gums sensitive, watch what you eat. The dentist will give you a comprehensive list of foods to take and avoid after the fluoride treatment.

Below are the eating guidelines:

• Refrain from extremely acidic foods.
• Avoid extremely cold or hot beverages and drinks.
• Cut off spicy foods, citrus fruits, frozen foods, and sugar-based snacks or drinks.
• Choose soft food varieties like hard-boiled eggs, salads, soups, bananas, apple sauce, etc.
• Avoid drinks that could cause staining on your teeth – sodas, tea, coffee, etc.
• For a few hours after dental cleaning, try to choose room-temperature water.

Fluoride Treatment Aftercare: Essential Things You Should Know

To ensure the desired outcome after the professional fluoride treatment, consider the following tips:

• Avoid flossing and brushing immediately after the process. However, after six hours, you can carry it out.
• Three days after the procedure, avoid using prescription fluoride medicines.
• Do not use fluoride-containing products like rinses, toothpaste, or mouthwashes, unless your dentist tells you to do so. It increases the risk of dental fluorosis.
• Refrain from taking products that include alcohol.
• Avoid washing your teeth for at least six hours after the treatment because this will wipe the fluoride applied to your teeth before it absorbs.

Effects of Fluoride Overuse

Immediately after cleaning, patients get fluoride varnish in most cases. Unlike toothpaste, food, and water, fluoride treatment usually has a high fluoride concentration. Getting fluoride in high quantities can be dangerous. It can result in:

• Bone homeostasis.
• Pits or stains on teeth.
• Dense bones that could be stronger.
• White specks on mature teeth.

Severe fluoride toxicity can cause:

• Diarrhea.
• Tiredness.
• Nausea.
• Excess sweat.
• Death.

Therefore, the dentist at Town Dental Excelsior pays special care when using the doses during the treatment.

Is Fluoride Treatment Sufficient to Keep Up Your Oral Health? 

The fluoride treatment fails to replace the need to maintain at-home dental hygiene. It means do not skip the essential practices as mentioned below:

• Keep consuming foods rich in fluoride. They include fish with bones, boiled foods, and tap water.
• Get regular dental exams and cleanings at the clinic near you.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth.
• To know which brand is best for you, speak to ​the dentist in Excelsior, MN.

How Does the Dentist Use Fluoride During the Treatment?

The dentist applies fluoride in varnish, foam, or gel form.

Foam or Gel

During this treatment, the dental professional places foam or gel in a tray that exactly resembles the shape of your teeth. He/she will put it in your mouth and ask you to bite it for nearly 4 to 5 minutes. The process of using foam or gel is similar.

Fluoride Varnish 

Fluoride varnish has a high fluoride concentration when compared to foam or gel treatment. The procedure is easy. The dentist paints the varnish onto the teeth directly.

Protect Your Teeth Against Dental Caries with a Fluoride Treatment Today

Although you can receive fluoride from food supplements, mouthwashes, and toothpaste, they are less effective than the fluoride you receive from an experienced dentist.

If you seek the best fluoride treatment in Excelsior, MN, visit our clinic today. You can get the procedure as a part of preventive dentistry near you. It usually depends on the recommendation of your dentist and your preference.