How long after fluoride treatment can I eat hot food

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.

The first thing most patients ask after receiving a fluoride treatment is “When can I eat or drink?”. Fluoride is a common treatment following regular dental cleanings. Most of the time, it is a simple fluoride rinse that your hygienist will have you swish in your mouth. Some patients may receive a fluoride varnish which is a topical paste applied directly to the teeth. Your hygienist will let you know how long you should wait before eating or drinking.

Why do I need fluoride treatment?

Fluoride is a very common solution used to help strengthen the enamel of your teeth and protect them against decay. When a fluoride varnish is used, it is painted onto the teeth and allowed to sit so that it is able to seal over your teeth. Fluoride varnish does feel a bit slimy but is usually minty and does not taste bad. A fluoride rinse is just like a mouthwash that you would usually use at home. After receiving fluoride, it is typical to wait about 30 minutes before eating or drinking. There are a few things that you want to avoid after a fluoride treatment which we will discuss later.

Eating after a dental cleaning

A lot of times, patients will visit the dentist after they’ve had breakfast or while before they will have dinner. If you were a patient that likes to have your teeth cleaned during your lunch hour, you will likely be able to eat once you return to your office as the 30 minute waiting period will probably have passed. Are teeth and gums are sometimes a bit more sensitive than normal right after a professional cleaning so there are foods and drinks to be avoided, such as very hot or very cold foods and drinks and anything crunchy.

What can I eat after a dental cleaning?

Along with hot and cold foods and beverages, a few other things to avoid include foods that are sticky, crunchy, spicy, and citrusy. The acids and spices in these foods can aggravate freshly cleaned teeth and gums since they tend to be more sensitive than usual.

If you are a patient that has your dental cleanings over your lunch hour, you will need to eat after your cleaning and will be perfectly pain-free if you stick to a simple sandwich or salad that isn’t too crunchy. Eggs and cheese or yogurt are also easily consumed following a dental cleaning. If you do not tend to have sensitivity after a cleaning, you can likely eat whatever you would usually eat for lunch.

As far as beverages are concerned, it is best to stick to room temperature water for at least a few hours following your dental cleaning. Coffee, tea, and sodas can easily stain freshly clean teeth and sugary beverages are never good for teeth.

More on Fluoride Treatment : How Much Does Fluoride Treatment Cost?

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Why can't you eat hot stuff after fluoride?

Immediately following the treatment, the teeth and gums are extra sensitive. When the teeth are still sensitive it may be best to avoid extremely cold or hot foods and beverages.

How long after fluoride treatment can I eat?

Fluoride Treatments If your hygienist applied any sort of fluoride treatment, they will advise that you wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This waiting period allows the fluoride time to seal over your teeth (though you will not see or feel this!).

How long after fluoride can I drink coffee?

Avoid hot liquids and dark liquids like coffee or tea for four to six hours to ensure enough time has passed for the fluoride to provide the full benefit. After the initial waiting period, start with mild foods that do not contain anything that may damage or stick to your teeth.

How long does it take for teeth to absorb fluoride?

The application takes just a few minutes, but you'll need to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes afterward. This ensures that the fluoride absorbs into your teeth for optimal protection.