Mint Hill Smiles

Dentist in Mint Hill, NC

Fluoride Treatment Aftercare Instructions | Mint Hill Smiles

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After having a professional fluoride treatment applied to your teeth

It is normal to feel the varnish coating on your teeth, particularly if you run your tongue across the outside surface. This is expected and temporary. The treatment stays active on your teeth for approximately four to six hours, which is why the instructions below will give you the greatest benefit from your treatment. Following them gives the fluoride the time it needs to fully absorb into your enamel and do its job.

Right After Your Treatment

To get the maximum benefit from your fluoride treatment, please follow these instructions:

  • – Do not brush or floss your teeth for at least six hours after the treatment
  • – Don’t eat sticky or crunchy foods which could pull or knock the fluoride off your teeth
  • – Avoid hot drinks and alcohol for at least six hours
  • – Wait until the next day to resume your normal brushing and flossing routine

That is the entire list. Fluoride aftercare is simple, and by the next morning you are back to your usual routine.

The founders of Mint Hill Smiles posing outside the practice

Why Following Fluoride Treatment Instructions is Important

A professional fluoride treatment is far more concentrated than the fluoride in your toothpaste or tap water. When we apply it, the varnish forms a coating that slowly releases fluoride into the enamel over several hours. Brushing, flossing, eating hard or crunchy foods, or drinking hot liquids too soon can disturb that coating before it has finished working, which reduces the benefit you paid for and came in for.

Fluoride strengthens enamel, helps reverse the earliest stages of tooth decay before they become cavities, and reduces sensitivity. Giving it six hours undisturbed will get you the most out of your treatment.

Why We Recommend Fluoride

Fluoride is one of the most well-researched preventive tools in dentistry. It works by remineralizing areas of enamel that have started to weaken, making your teeth more resistant to the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. For patients prone to cavities, patients with sensitivity, and children whose teeth are still developing, a professional fluoride treatment a couple of times a year is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect your teeth.

If you ever have questions after a treatment, you are always welcome to call us at (704) 323-7577.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You can eat immediately after your fluoride treatment. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods and skip hot drinks and alcohol for at least six hours so the fluoride has time to fully absorb.
Wait at least six hours before brushing or flossing. If your treatment was applied late in the day, wait until the next morning to brush. Brushing too soon removes the fluoride varnish before it has finished strengthening your enamel.
The slightly coated or filmy feeling is the fluoride varnish working on your teeth. It is completely normal, it is not harmful, and it goes away when you brush your teeth.

The varnish stays active on your teeth for about four to six hours after application. The strengthening benefit to your enamel continues well beyond that, which is why we recommend professional fluoride treatments at regular intervals.

Yes. Professional fluoride treatment is safe and is one of the most studied preventive treatments in dentistry. The amount applied is carefully measured, and following the simple aftercare instructions ensures you get the full benefit safely.
Most patients benefit from a professional fluoride treatment once or twice a year, typically at their regular cleaning visits. Patients who are more prone to cavities or who have sensitivity may benefit from more frequent treatments. Your hygienist or doctor will recommend what is right for you.

Questions after your treatment?

Call Mint Hill Smiles at (704) 323-7577. We are at 11300 Cresthill Drive, Suite 105, Mint Hill, NC 28227.
Book your appointment today