Fluoride Treatment: A Care Guide to Eating & Drinking
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that can be found in water and soil. The fluoride compounds found naturally in food, drinks, and toothpaste have been shown to help prevent cavities by strengthening teeth and promoting healthy tooth development.
A fluoride treatment in Englewood is a process used to strengthen your teeth. The dentist applies fluoride varnish or gel to their teeth directly after they eat or drink something with sugar. By applying this product right after eating and drinking acidic foods (such as soda), you can help reinforce the enamel against acid erosion.
What is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and cavities. It helps keep your teeth strong by making them more resistant to bacteria and acids.
Fluoride treatments are most often applied to children because they are more prone to dental cavities. However, our dentist in Englewood can also recommend fluoride for adults with dental issues such as gingivitis or dry mouth symptoms.
How Much Does a Fluoride Treatment Cost?
The cost of your fluoride treatment will vary depending on several factors, including:
- The dental practice and whether or not they are in-network with your insurance provider.
- The type of sealant used. Fluoride treatments are typically paired with other procedures such as sealants (to prevent cavities) or restorative dentistry (to replace missing teeth). These additional services will affect the total price tag for your treatment plan but can be worth it if it helps you avoid more expensive procedures down the road! Visit our dental office in Englewood for information on the cost of the fluoride treatment.
How Long Should I Wait to take Beverages After Fluoride Treatment?
The American Dental Association recommends that you wait 30 minutes after fluoride treatment before eating or drinking anything other than water. Avoid acidic drinks like lemonade.
How Long Can You Wait Until You Can Eat After Fluoride Treatment?
Here are some guidelines for what you can and cannot eat after your treatment:
- Avoid food for a few hours to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.
- Stay away from hot drinks to give your mouth time to recover from any irritation caused by the treatment procedure itself.
Because fluoride strengthens teeth by making the tooth enamel harder and less sensitive to acid attacks from foods and drinks, it is important to make sure that no food or drink comes into contact with your freshly treated teeth until your mouth has absorbed the treatment.
What Can I Eat After Fluoride Treatment?
If you must eat food, then go for soft foods – Greek yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, ice cream, and mashed bananas are all good choices, while the blended soup is also perfect. Avoid sticky, hot, acidic, or crunchy foods. Stay away from alcohol for 24 hours following your fluoride application.
When Can You Brush Your Teeth After Fluoride Treatment?
The mineral strengthens tooth enamel and protects teeth from decay. You can brush your teeth right away after the treatment. If there is any tooth sensitivity or discomfort, avoid brushing or flossing that mouth area for several hours. The sensitivity will pass in a couple of hours. Brushing, flossing, and avoiding food and drink are best practices.
To ensure your fluoride treatment is effective, you must commit to brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day.
What Are the Risks of Fluoride Treatment?
A common side effect of fluoride treatment is dental fluorosis. This is a condition that causes teeth to become stained and pitted. It can also cause teeth to become more brittle and discolored. It is important to follow the dental instructions given by our dentist in 34223 to prevent an overdose.
How is the Fluoride Treatment Done?
Dr. Shanaka L. Weerasooriya will first clean the teeth before applying the fluoride varnish, gel, foam, or solution for a couple of minutes, depending on how many surfaces you have in your mouth.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Tarpon Shores Dental in Englewood for more information about fluoride treatment and what you can expect.