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 Albuquerque, NM
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 Sunset Dental at 505-295-4050 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
General dentists provide essential care to support oral health at every age, including well into adulthood and throughout the golden years. The goal is to help keep the smile in good shape so that it stays healthy, comfortable, and functional. Dental professionals can also address age-related oral health concerns, keeping you on track for a…
General dentistry is responsible for addressing all routine things relating to the teeth, including damage that occurs. Teeth become damaged as a result of many things, such as injury, accidents, natural wear and tear, or cavities. Whatever the reasoning may be for a damaged tooth, there are a lot of treatment options available in general…
The types of cavity treatments fall into two different categories. Those categories are direct and indirect restorations. Direct forms of cavity treatment include things like fillings made from composite resin and amalgam. Indirect forms are crowns or onlay restorations. Direct restoration can be completed without the need for work to be done with a dental laboratory.…
Getting tooth implants is not the final phase of an implant restoration procedure.
A restorative dentist focuses on diagnosing and treating dental problems that affect the function and…
A dental bridge is a popular solution to replace one or more missing teeth, restoring…
General dentists provide essential care to support oral health at every age, including well into…
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, poses a critical threat to your oral health…
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, poses a critical threat to your oral health…
