Recommended Waiting Time for Eating Post-treatment
Wait about 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This gives the fluoride time to strengthen your teeth. After that, you can eat soft foods and drink but try to avoid hot, cold, spicy, or acidic foods for a few hours to prevent sensitivity and keep the fluoride working.
Why Should I Wait Before Eating?
To maximize the effectiveness of your newly received fluoride treatment, you must allow the fluoride to get absorbed in your teeth. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the fluoride settle on your teeth. If fluoride gel or foam was used, spit it out thoroughly. For the next 4 to 6 hours, avoid hot or cold drinks like coffee, tea, or ice cream, and stick to soft foods for at least 2 hours.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for 6 hours. Do not brush or floss your teeth during this time to allow the fluoride varnish to stay in place, and skip alcohol-based mouthwashes or products. After 6 hours, you can resume your normal brushing and flossing routine to clean off any remaining varnish. However, avoid using prescription fluoride toothpaste or treatments for three days after the procedure.
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What to Do After Fluoride Treatment?
After a fluoride treatment, it’s important to follow these guidelines to make sure the treatment is effective:
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- Immediate Post-Treatment (0-60 Minutes)
For the first 30-60 minutes after treatment, avoid eating or drinking so the fluoride can stick to your teeth properly without being washed away. This also helps prevent nausea if any fluoride is swallowed. Moreover, avoid smoking to reduce the risk of dental staining.
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- Short-Term Post-Treatment (0-6 Hours)
During the first six hours, don’t brush or floss your teeth to allow the fluoride enough time to be absorbed. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or bananas, and avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods, as well as very hot or cold items. It’s also important to skip alcohol and mouthwash with alcohol during this time.
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- Long-Term Post-Treatment (After 6 Hours)
After six hours, you can resume brushing and flossing your teeth to clean off any remaining fluoride. However, avoid using over-the-counter fluoride products like toothpaste or mouthwash for the next three to four days unless your dentist advises otherwise. Also, refrain from taking prescription fluoride supplements for three days to prevent excessive fluoride intake.
Ending Note
Eating or drinking immediately after a fluoride treatment can hinder the absorption of fluoride. Therefore, people often ask, “How soon can you eat after fluoride treatment?” Wait for just 30 minutes, and start with a soft diet.
Visit our dental specialists at Richmond Dental Care for a professional fluoride treatment. Dial (832) 612-2831 to book an appointment.
