What Can You Not Do After a Fluoride Treatment?
What Is a Fluoride Treatment?
It is a dental protocol in preventive dentistry that enriches teeth with fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds strong teeth and decreases the risk of dental cavities. Therefore, fluoride treatment in Torrance, CA, is a proactive dental measure for protecting teeth against bacteria that cause dental cavities and other infections.
What Is the Role of Fluoride in Oral Health?
Fluoride helps build strong and healthy teeth. It works by increasing and optimizing your teeth’ ability to absorb minerals from food sources. Besides that, fluoride creates a protective layer over your teeth’ enamel, increasing their resistance to bacteria and acids that cause dental decay.
Usually, fluoride treatment works before you have developed cavities in your mouth. However, the treatment can also help reverse the cavity formation process, particularly for cavities in their early development stages. Studies show that fluoride treatment at an early age significantly lowers the risk of developing cavities as you get older. It is the reason pediatric dentists encourage fluoride treatment for children. However, adults too can benefit from this treatment to boost oral health and prevent cavities.
What Does Fluoride Treatment Entail?
When you visit our dental office at Sparkle Family Dentistry, the initial procedure is a comprehensive dental exam. It allows the dentist to evaluate your oral health before administering any treatment. Afterward, the dentist near you can determine the best course of action. In many cases, a dental cleaning is necessary to remove plaque and tartar from teeth before applying the fluoride treatment.
Fluoride application is a quick and simple procedure. The dentist will apply the treatment to your teeth as a gel, paste, or varnish. The goal is to coat each tooth with the varnish, then allow them to soak in and absorb the mineral. Ideally, after applying fluoride varnish, your dentist will disallow you from consuming anything for about thirty minutes or longer. The primary concern is to allow your teeth ample contact and exposure to fluoride to increase mineral absorption.
What Can You Not Do After a Fluoride Treatment?
After fluoride treatment near you, the dentist will emphasize avoiding certain things to promote the success of your treatment. Some things you must avoid after fluoride treatment are:
- Do not rinse your mouth for the first thirty minutes after your procedure.
- Do not brush your teeth for at least six hours post-treatment. If anything, it is better to wait after 24 hours to brush your teeth.
- Avoid hot or cold liquids and foods for at least six hours after fluoride treatment.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods during the first six hours.
- Avoid products containing alcohol for at least 24 hours – including mouthwash.
- Avoid other over-the-counter fluoride items like toothpaste, gels, and rinses. While keeping your teeth strong with these products may be good, avoid them during the first-day post-treatment. The last thing you need is fluoride over-exposure, which introduces other oral complications in your mouth.
How Long Does Fluoride Last on Teeth?
A fluoride treatment in Torrance, CA, will protect your teeth for several months. Usually, retreatment is necessary every three to six months. The better you care for your teeth, the longer the fluoride will benefit your oral health.
Is Fluoride Treatment Enough to Keep Teeth Strong and Healthy?
Although fluoride treatment strengthens teeth and lowers the risk of dental cavities, it cannot work independently. Usually, other dental care measures contribute to the success of the fluoride treatment. Being intentional with dental care measures at home will further support your oral health. Other than fluoride treatment, consider the following tips to maintain strong and healthy teeth:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily – use a good-quality toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush that will not be too abrasive.
- Floss daily – flossing target plaque and food residue in the hard-to-reach parts of your mouth.
- Keep up with routine dental cleanings – a dentist near you will thoroughly clean your teeth surfaces to fight any plaque and tartar that may be forming in your oral cavity.
- Stay hydrated – drinking water boosts the saliva’s role of keeping your mouth moist and neutralizing acidity.
- Eat healthily – you still need to obtain nutrients and minerals from foods and liquids.