Eating After Fluoride Treatment

Waiting to eat after having a professional fluoride treatment raleigh north carolina in the dental office is nothing more than a matter of common sense. You simply have got to give the fluoride a chance to work. Let’s take a look at what the fluoride does for your teeth and why. Then we’ll review some of the additional good habits you can introduce to your oral hygiene efforts at home that create a win-win for everyone.

Why should you have Fluoride Treatment?

Your mouth is consistently full of bacteria 24-7. All day every day we have millions of bacteria. We control that amount by brushing and flossing on a regular basis. That bacteria feeds on the sugar in the food you eat and the sugars found in the beverages you drink. That sugar is converted to acid which immediately attacks the hard-outer surface of your teeth which is called enamel. The acid attack demineralizes the enamel weakening it and even thinning the enamel.

Fluoride is a natural mineral. It absorbs back into the enamel and replaces the lost minerals creating a vicious circle. Demineralize and remineralize. Again, and again. You can add more fluoride and develop more minerals in your enamel making the enamel stronger to repel those acid attacks.

The Fluoride Treatment in the Dental Office

A terrific time to have your dentist and hygienist administer a fluoride treatment is directly after they have cleaned your teeth. This should be done twice a year. They will either apply a solution, a gel, a foam or even a varnish. The fluoride will be delivered in the manner the dentist feels they have had the most success with. The treatment itself only takes a few minutes. Then the fluoride needs a respectable amount of time to be absorbed into your teeth.

When can you Eat and What after a Fluoride Treatment

You will be asked to do your best to not rinse, eat or drink anything for only 30 minutes. This is all the time the fluoride needs to absorb and repair. After that you might want to avoid hot or cold liquids or foods and then not to brush or floss for six hours. Give that fluoride a chance.

Keep the Ball Rolling

This is the easiest part. Fluoride is found in most tap water. Every time you drink water you are getting some fluoride. You can switch your toothpaste and begin using one that has fluoride in it. You can also introduce a mouthwash that has fluoride in it. Of course, you need to continue to battle the bacteria, the sugars and the plaque trying to form on your teeth. The health industry strongly suggests you brush your teeth well twice a day and floss at least once. By doing this simple activity you have created a very beneficial oral hygiene habit and are fighting those factors to avoid cavities. Get into the habit of scheduling an evaluation and teeth cleaning twice a year. Your smile will love you. As will your self-esteem and your self-confidence.

More on Fluoride Treatment : Tooth Sensitivity and Fluoride Treatments