7 Precautions & Aftercare Tips to Follow After Fluoride Treatment

Healthy gums and teeth are crucial to the overall health of the kid. The pediatricians are experienced and trained to apply fluoride varnish to the teeth. The total number of procedures relies on how likely your little one may be to develop cavities.

What is Fluoride Treatment?

Fluoride treatments are procedures that include the high fluoride consultation that helps the dental hygienist or the dentist to minimize the risk of cavities. So, these procedures are helpful to those at a high risk of decay. Professional fluoride in-office treatment usually come in the form of a foam, gel, varnish, or solution and takes just several minutes to finish. After six hours, you can resume your lifestyle.

Important Fluoride Treatment Aftercare Tips

After the fluoride treatment, our dentist in Kingwood suggests some instructions to follow:

1. Do Not Floss and Brush Teeth

Thoroughly floss and brush your teeth after the six hours of fluoride treatment. It will eradicate the leftover fluoride from the teeth effectively. It will help your teeth feel and appear the same as they work before the fluoride treatment. Therefore, make sure you do not stick to our dental hygiene immediately after the procedure. Make sure you spit when washing your mouth.

2. Say No to OTC Fluoride Products

Fluoride-based products such as mouth rinses, toothpaste, and mouthwashes are ineffective after the treatment. Therefore, avoid them for three to four days following the process.

3. Watch What You Eat or Drink

The varnish requires some time to be absorbed by the teeth properly. It will usually take 4-6 months. The dental professional will restrict the drinking or eating of anything for half an hour after the treatment.

Allowing the teeth sufficient time to absorb the fluoride will help you get the desired outcome. It also repairs microscopic regions of tooth decay. Prefer soft foods for a minimum of two hours such as bananas, matched potatoes, yogurt, apple sauce, etc.

Other foods to eat are hard-boiled eggs, liquid foods, or soups. Avoid highly acidic foods. These include citrus fruits such as grapefruits, limes, lemons, oranges, etc.

4. Do Not Smoke and Take Alcohol

Avoid smoking for half an hour to one hour after the professional fluoride treatment. It is also crucial to say no to products that contain alcohol.

5. Wait for the Use of Prescription Fluoride Medicines

Fluoride varnish will stay on the teeth for about six hours or so. It is essential for the success of this preventative treatment. So after the procedure, avoid using prescription fluoride medication for three days.

6. Say No to Extremely Cold or Hot Drinks and Beverages

For 4 – 6 hours, avoid extra hot or cold food and drink varieties such as teas, coffees, etc.

7. Avoid Using Prescribed Fluoride Toothpaste

Do not use the prescribed toothpaste for two days after the fluoride treatment.

Is Fluoride Varnish Safe?

Yes. Doctors and dentists worldwide use fluoride varnish to prevent decay in kids. The expert only uses a tiny amount and the patient rarely swallows the varnish applied. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, every infant must get a dental health risk assessment by six months.

How is Fluoride Varnish Put on the Teeth?

Our dentist in 77339 paints fluoride varnish on the sides and top of every tooth using a small brush. When the varnish comes in contact, it gets hard. The treatment is painless. As a parent, the doctor will ask you to hold your little one in your lap. The expert then brushes it after 4-12 hours. The shade of your kid’s teeth will return to normal after some time.

What Happens When You Get Excess Fluoride?

Fluoride can be dangerous in high doses. It can result in:

• Bone homeostasis.
• Dense and weak bones.
• White dots on the mature teeth.
• Holes or stains on teeth.

Excess fluoride can cause:

• Diarrhea.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea.
• Excess sweat.
• Death.

Visit a Dentist Nearby

Professional fluoride treatments are a minimally invasive and safe method to prevent decay and strengthen teeth. Fluoride varnish is applied using a brush or swab and put in a tray. The procedure takes some time to complete. Our dental experts at Houston Oral Healthcare Specialists are experts in handling fluoride treatment. They carefully administer a safe level of fluoride for teeth whitening. Call us or book your appointment today to get fluoride treatment in Kingwood, TX!