You are in front of the mirror brushing your teeth or maybe flossing then you suddenly think about dental fluoride treatment. Is having a dental fluoride treatment a good idea? Oh, wait, then there’s a second question that pops: What about the side effects? Are there any?
Dental fluoride treatment side effects are infrequent and moderate. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel on our teeth. In rare cases, excessive fluoride might cause your teeth to become weak. Overuse of fluoride treatments can lead to tooth discoloration as one of the unwanted effects.
If you are thinking of having a dental fluoride treatment, you must prepare yourself for some factors that you need to consider before making appointments with your dentist. Check out these aspects that I have compiled for you to stay informed.
Fluoride: Definition, Benefits, and Side Effects
Fluorine is the chemical element where fluoride can be present. It can be found in a wide variety of organic foods and beverages, particularly tap water. Fluoride is another beneficial nutrient for maintaining the harmony of your dental structure. It helps fight tooth decay and cavities. Not only that, when teeth are forming, it strengthens the enamel by becoming a component of the tooth framework. Cavities can be slowed or even reversed by destroying the microorganisms that produce them. Sounds great, right? While fluoride has numerous benefits to our teeth, sadly, there are also harmful effects. Our teeth need just a tiny amount of fluoride every day to reduce the chances of having dental cavities in the long run. When your dentist applies fluoride treatment to your teeth, usually it involves a higher level of fluoride doses. Some of the side effects may include white patches and cracks in the enamel. Skin-related irritations are also possible. Cardiovascular difficulties and even brain abnormalities like ADHD can be severe and life-threatening side effects if too much fluoride is applied. So, be cautious about taking it! The thyroid gland has also been known to malfunction. Vomiting and nausea are also linked to a fluoride overdose.
Are Dental Fluoride Treatments Safe?
Dental fluoride treatments are safe as long as they are appropriately administered and performed by an experienced dentist. Even while in-office professional dental fluoride treatments are necessary for many individuals, many people don’t need fluoride treatment from their dentists. Suppose you are a parent and have some thinking about whether your child needs to undergo dental fluoride treatment. In that case, you must always follow the recommendations of an expert pediatric doctor or dentist, especially if your kid is under the age of six. You should encourage your child to have a regular brushing habit with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your kid’s teeth are getting enough fluoride. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, most bottled water does not contain enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Some kids prefer to take drops or tablets as a fluoride supplement. So now, how often should kids get a dental fluoride treatment? It should be given to them two or four times a year. The treatment dependency is based on the kids’ overall dental health and the chances of developing cavities.
Is Dental Fluoride Treatment Necessary?
The necessity of dental fluoride treatment is dependent on the condition of your dental health. Each individual has a different level of fluoride amount that should be taken. It is enough to get your daily fluoride intake if you are using fluoride toothpaste. Mouthwashes, tubes of toothpaste, and other oral health products contain fluoride. Most of the over-the-counter mouth rinses include a small amount of fluoride. Dental fluoride treatments can be applied in the form of varnish, gel, or foam.
Is Dental Fluoride Treatment Effective?
Dental fluoride treatments are effective, and it works, especially if a professional dentist does it. By having fluoride treatment, you may guarantee healthy and cavity-free teeth. However, eating organic fruits and vegetables and drinking tap water may enable you to have solid and healthy teeth. Fluoride can be present in organic produce, drinks, and tap water, as previously stated. Avoiding acidic foods and sodas can help you achieve healthy teeth. Fruit juices, for example, are one of those drinks that may cause cavities. In addition, regular alcohol consumption, smoking, improper dental hygiene, and poor diet may result in a higher risk of having holes in the teeth. It may require you to receive dental fluoride treatments more often.
What Not To Eat After Fluoride Treatment?
The following items are the food and drinks one should avoid after having a dental fluoride treatment:
- Lemons, oranges, limes (citrus foods and refreshments)
- Spicy food
- Eating food with an abrasive texture (celery, apples, carrots are just some of the examples)
- Cold foods, like popsicles or ice cream
- Beverages that are high in sugar (fruit juices, tonic, sweetened powdered drinks)
- Sticky foods (such as gums, tootsie rolls, gummy candies, rice cakes, etc.)
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, etc.
- Crunchy and hard texture type of foods like (crackers, chips, breadsticks, popcorn, and more)
- Tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, berries, beetroot, and curry
Dental fluoride treatment, as we discussed earlier, is safe and painless. Your dentist may provide you additional recommendations to follow consistently after your procedure in order to attain a better outcome. One of the essential things your dentist will tell you is to patiently wait 30 minutes to 1 hour before you may start to drink and eat. You must listen to this instruction because this amount of time is enough to seal the fluoride treatment in your teeth. Patience is a virtue! Additionally, brushing, flossing, and rinsing are prohibited for at least six hours. You shouldn’t be selfish and let fluoride be absorbed by your teeth. After hours of patiently waiting, the time has come for you to eat. Yay! But wait, what food can you eat? You may ask. Foods that have soft textures are allowed. For example, hard-boiled eggs, soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, and the list is endless.
