A Teenager's Guide to Braces

If you visit a family dentist for a cleaning and examination, the dentist might recommend giving you a fluoride. If you go through with this, the dentist will probably tell you not to eat or drink anything for the next 30 to 60 minutes. This is a common recommendation from dentists, and it is an instruction you should follow if you want the fluoride to offer the most protection for your teeth.

What is a fluoride treatment?

Getting a fluoride treatment is a standard step in a six-month cleaning and examination visit, and fluoride serves a key purpose in dentistry. Fluoride is the only known mineral on this earth that is capable of rebuilding enamel on teeth. When enamel is gone from teeth, it cannot be replaced in any way. Completing fluoride treatments can help, though, by strengthening the enamel that is there and helping to rebuild the existing enamel.

Why do you have to wait 30 minutes to eat or drink?

After getting a fluoride treatment, your dentist will suggest waiting to eat or drink because the fluoride needs time to soak into your teeth. If your teeth do not absorb the fluoride, there is no point in getting the treatment completed. Your teeth will not instantly absorb the fluoride that the dentist places on them during the treatment. Instead, it will take a little bit of time for this to happen, and this is why your dentist will tell you to avoid beverages and food for a short while after the treatment. If you smoke, you should also avoid smoking for the same amount of time as the dentist tells you to avoid eating and drinking.

Should you get fluoride treatments at each dental visit?

You do not have to get fluoride treatments completed during your regular visits to the dentist; however, you should. These treatments are very effective for strengthening the enamel on your teeth, and strong enamel helps you fight cavities. If you visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam, you probably care a lot about the health of your teeth. If so, getting fluoride treatments is a good option, even though they are not mandatory during cleanings.

Getting fluoride treatments is a great way to strengthen and protect your teeth. If you have questions about fluoride or anything else related to your teeth, contact a dental clinic today or schedule an appointment with a dentist at a time convenient for your schedule.