Just got your teeth polished with a fluoride treatment? Congratulations! Treatments with fluoride are a painless, safe, and less intrusive way to strengthen teeth. It’s quick, simple, and requires little post-treatment instructions, including eating after the treatment. How long after fluoride treatment can you eat? Let’s explore the details of fluoride treatment and its post-treatment recommendations.
What is a Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral used to improve teeth and bones in general and oral healthcare. When fluoride is given directly to teeth, it strengthens and prevents tooth decay by adding minerals to the enamel, the outer coating of the tooth.
When to Start Eating After Fluoride Treatment?
After a fluoride treatment, most dentists advise patients to wait at least 30 minutes before eating food or liquids other than water. This gives the fluoride time to completely seep into your tooth enamel, maximizing its protective and strengthening properties.
What to Eat After Fluoride Treatment?
It is sufficient to wait for 30 minutes after receiving fluoride treatment before eating any meal. It is advised to avoid eating and drinking anything that is really hot or cold right after the procedure since your teeth can become sensitive right away, you also need to stay away from meals that are quite acidic.
Here’s a list of food you can eat after fluoride treatment:
- Soft foods (applesauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, etc)
- Soups or liquid foods
- Hard-boiled eggs
Here’s a list of foods and beverages you should avoid after fluoride treatment:
- Sugary drinks
- Spicy foods
- Citrus fruits (grapefruits, lemons, oranges, and limes)
- Crunchy or hard textured foods
- Frozen or extremely cold foods (ice cream or popsicles)
Post-Fluoride Instructions
After receiving fluoride treatment, follow the following advice for at least 6 hours:
- Avoid hard food: avoid snacks like pretzels and chips that exert too much strain on your teeth. Avoid consuming anything that is very chewy as well, such as beef.
- No to Citrus: refrain from having meals with a high acid content to help ease any sensitivity you may experience after the treatment.
- Eat only soft meals: after a fluoride treatment, foods like soup, mashed potatoes, or yogurt are excellent lunch choices.
- Avoid hot beverages: to prevent sensitive soreness after the treatment, limit your intake to room temperature beverages.
Conclusion!
How long after fluoride treatment can you eat? Give it 30 minutes or more. If you’re unsure or can’t remember what was mentioned during your session, wait at least 30 minutes before consuming any food or liquids. If it helps, schedule your appointment for just after lunch or breakfast to avoid being hungry afterward.
If you have more questions about the treatment, visit us at Integrity Dental of Troy. Book your appointment by calling (586) 977-0300, and let us make your dental health better.