Eating After Fluoride Treatment

The fluoride treatment only needs 30 minutes for the application process to be successful. If you can sustain from eating or drinking for that short period of time you will get the best value of the treatment. Let’s look at what is going on regarding your daily oral hygiene, why fluoride treatments are beneficial in the proper care of your teeth and the benefits such a simple procedure can deliver.

The Anatomy of a Healthy Mouth

There are millions of bacteria in our mouths every day. Most of these are necessary to begin the process of breaking down food particles to deliver the life sustaining nutrients. It is a delicate balance. Too much bacteria and a clear sticky substance called plaque forms on the teeth. This plaque turns the bacteria into acids which immediately attack the enamel of the teeth resulting in harmful cavities. The health industries strongly suggest we all brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and then floss once a day. These very simple oral hygiene habits keep the bacteria in balance and removes the damaging plaque.

The hard surface of the tooth is called the enamel. The enamel is made up of minerals which it loses every day with these constant attacks from acids. Fluoride is a mineral that can easily replenish the lost minerals in the enamel. Just like that you captured a tiny, vicious little circle happening every day in your mouth.

Different Types of Fluoride Treatments

You can get fluoride every day at no cost when you drink tap water. More water, more fluoride. You can buy mouthwash and use it daily or purchase a toothpaste that has fluoride added. You can buy over the counter kits that deliver a gel in trays on your teeth or have the fluoride treatment done professionally in the dental office. Here they might use a solution, a gel or even a varnish. It is important to give the fluoride time to harden on the teeth, so the enamel has adequate time to absorb the minerals available.

The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

30 minutes is a reasonable amount of time to give the fluoride a chance to work. You will be asked to avoid hot or cold liquids or foods, or to not brush your teeth for up to six hours to get the maximum benefit. By getting a better than average amount of fluoride the enamel will not just remineralize, but it can also even become stronger. In doing so, and practicing good oral hygiene, you can prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy. It is also suggested that you make the practice of scheduling a dental examination twice a year to monitor the health of your teeth and gums. X-rays will capture what is going on below the gumline and a history can be built. Fluoride treatments are an excellent way to conclude professional teeth cleaning. You may want to revisit your diet and be aware of some habits that are not in your best interests when it comes to healthy teeth and gums.

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