Fluoride Treatment and Eating Afterwards

​Has your dentist recently recommended a fluoride treatment with your routine dental exam? Maybe you responded, “not this time”, concerned about how long after you had to wait until you could eat. You may be surprised to know there aren’t too many rules around fluoride treatment procedures. Below is more detailed information about the fluoride treatment procedure and the post-treatment guidelines you should follow if you get a fluoride treatment.

What is a Fluoride Treatment Procedure?

Before you worry about post-treatment guidelines, it is important to get a better understanding of what exactly is involved in the treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that is used in oral healthcare and overall healthcare to help strengthen teeth and bones. When fluoride is directly applied to the teeth, through foams or gels, it adds mineral to the tooth’s enamel, helping to keep the tooth strong and prevent tooth decay. You may not realize that you are most likely exposed to fluoride on a daily basis through tap drinking water. A few decades ago, a popular public health initiative mandated the public drinking water be fluorinated to help improve the oral health of the US population. In addition to the fluoride treatment that can be added to a routine dental exam and cleaning, you can do in-home fluoride treatments regularly by buying and using fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash.

What to Eat After Fluoride Treatment

While in most cases, you can eat after a fluoride treatment, there are a few factors which may influence this. Your dentist will inform you of post-treatment guidelines and any specific rules for you to follow. In general, you will be advised to wait 30 minutes after your dental cleaning to eat or drink. This 30-minute window allows time for the fluoride treatment to seal around your teeth. In addition to waiting, you may want to consider WHAT exactly you are eating after a fluoride treatment. The fluoride treatment can cause your teeth and gums to be sensitive, and therefore it may be best to avoid extremely cold or hot foods and beverages.

In addition to avoiding foods that are extreme in temperatures, you should avoid foods that are high in acidity. Here is a list of foods to avoid after a fluoride treatment:

  • Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes)
  • Spicy foods
  • Crunchy
  • Frozen foods (such as popsicles or ice cream)
  • Sugary drinks

The best foods to eat after a fluoride treatment and dental cleaning are soft foods, including:

  • Soft foods (applesauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, etc)
  • Soups
  • Hard-boiled eggs

If you are considering getting a fluoride treatment at your next dental visit, you should! Not only will it help keep your teeth strong and prevent tooth decay, it also may help reduce any tooth sensitivity you have been having. Fluoride treatment is minimally invasive, beneficial, low cost, and fairly quick. Don’t let your concerns about what and when you can eat after the procedure hold you back from making your oral health a priority.

More information on Fluoride Treatments : How Much Does Fluoride Treatment Cost?