If a general dentist recommends fluoride treatments, patients may express concerns about the lasting effects of fluoride. They may also wonder whether eating and drinking are possible immediately afterward. Fortunately, fluoride is one of the easiest dental treatments to undergo with little to no waiting period and great benefits in the long term. Just a few quick aftercare techniques can preserve the fluoride and maintain strong teeth.
Fluoride is a mineral that naturally strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities. Applying fluoride in a professional setting is a simple, painless task that can be accomplished in a short period of time — even over a patient’s lunch break. Fluoride may be applied through a mouthwash or varnish. Some treatments do not need any rest time, and patients can eat immediately afterward. If a patient receives a varnish, the general dentist may recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before eating and until nighttime for brushing to let the varnish adhere to the teeth.
Patients interested in maintaining the full integrity of the fluoride treatment should avoid certain foods directly after the dental visit. Items that are especially hot, cold, crunchy, sticky, hard, spicy, or acidic are better to avoid. If a patient is not sure about some foods, simply waiting half an hour before eating at all is a safe bet. After a few hours, everything is fine to eat.
While fluoride is a fantastic option to strengthen enamel and avoid decay, it can be harmful in large doses. Taking care of teeth by practicing daily oral hygiene is the most effective way to maintain great health. Brush twice each day, floss at least once, use mouthwash, and visit a general dentist biannually.
In addition to discussing aftercare, a patient should also understand how fluoride treatments benefit teeth, how to properly prepare for them, and what side effects might occur. Asking the right questions can help patients make educated decisions on treatments and overall oral health.
Fluoride treatments are beneficial to both the teeth and gums. Natural bacteria that form in the mouth gradually decay tooth enamel. Fluoride restores the minerals in teeth and makes them stronger. Fluoride can also eliminate bacteria and stop its growth, which prevents cavities from forming and gums from getting infected.
It is possible to consume too much fluoride and experience negative side effects. An overabundance of fluoride may create staining or spotting and cause teeth to grow dense but not strong. Fluoride poisoning is rare but also possible.
Fluoride is one of the easiest dental procedures. Other than brushing thoroughly before arriving at the dental office, patients do not need to prepare for fluoride.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in San Antonio, TX
Keeping teeth strong and healthy is crucial to avoid future oral problems. Patients who are susceptible to cavities or decay may want to consider fluoride in addition to regular oral hygiene habits. Talk to a general dentist if questions still remain about the process and benefits.
Request an appointment or call All Smiles Dental Center at 210-714-7429 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
There are many ways that a general dentist can promote gum health. Your gums play an important role in supporting your teeth and providing a barrier against harmful bacteria, so it is critical that they remain healthy and strong. Keeping your gums healthy can also help prevent tooth loss and decrease heart attack risk. The…
If you're looking for help from a general dentist to treat tooth decay, there are several things to consider before making an appointment with one to ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible. First, you'll want to find the best dentist for treating tooth decay. The second thing you'll want to do is think…
Any general dentist knows that oral health is about more than just strong teeth. It is also a bellwether of overall physical health, which makes maintaining healthy teeth and gums a crucial part of any wellness routine. Showing up for cleanings twice a year is not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy. Patients should…
During a smile makeover, a cosmetic dentist typically performs two or more procedures as part of an overall plan to improve a smile's appearance. Therefore, the definition of a smile makeover can be very broad and customizable. Smile makeovers can even be as simple as one procedure, such as dental veneers. A smile makeover plan…
When you go to the dentist for your annual dental check-up, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy and free from decay or disease. During this visit, your dentist may use an instrument called a periodontal probe to measure how deep the pockets around…