All teeth can be vulnerable to cavities and decay, especially with the sugary foods and drinks readily available everywhere. Sometimes, your or your little one’s teeth need help staying strong. Here’s where fluoride treatments come in.
Fluoride treatments involve applying a strong fluoride varnish to teeth that can effectively strengthen and protect them from decay. So, the next time you or your child indulge in a sugary treat, you can feel better knowing that no teeth are being compromised.
However, determining how long after a fluoride treatment you can resume your regular oral hygiene routine can be difficult. So, in this blog, let’s learn when you should brush your teeth after a fluoride treatment, how long it needs to work, and how to keep it effective.
How Long Should Fluoride Be Left On Teeth?
Fluoride varnish should remain on your teeth for at least six hours as it requires these hours to penetrate the enamel. It’s essential to not brush your teeth, eat, or drink for at least half an hour after a fluoride treatment so that the varnish can adhere to the teeth properly.
It’s recommended that you hold off brushing your teeth for at least six hours after the preventative treatment, as it can interfere with the process. However, after six hours, you can resume brushing your teeth thoroughly.
There is a misconception that you do not have to be diligent with your oral care routine after a fluoride treatment. However, you must brush and floss regularly as it works with fluoride treatment to protect your teeth.
Benefits of Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is one such safe and effective treatment for strengthening teeth in younger and older patients. Its key benefit is that it can remineralize enamel and strengthen it, so teeth might not decay easily.
Hence, it prevents cavities from occurring, as harmful bacteria in your mouth cannot damage your teeth. It can even reverse early signs of tooth decay by remineralizing vulnerable teeth.
Fluoride varnish is a simple treatment that involves the detailed application of a strong fluoride varnish. It sets relatively quickly when it comes in contact with saliva, so it starts the remineralization process.
What to Avoid After Fluoride Treatment
To make the most of your fluoride treatment, you must avoid eating any foods or drinks for at least 30 minutes after treatment. You must also avoid staining beverages like coffee, wine, tea, or acidic foods that can interfere with the process.
You must stay consistent with your oral hygiene routine after a fluoride treatment. However, waiting six hours after your treatment is recommended to allow the fluoride to set properly. You must also avoid hot beverages or alcohol for at least six hours post-treatment as they impact fluoride’s effectiveness.
Takeaway
Proper aftercare after fluoride treatment can make sure that you don’t have to wait long for your results to show. After six hours, you can resume your regular oral hygiene and brush your teeth daily. You can also eat and drink whatever you want while knowing your teeth stay strong.
At Next Care Dental Houston, Dr. Harsh Patel and his skilled team can provide effective fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth. Dial (713) 952-0522 to schedule a consultation.
