Dental Fluoride Treatment for Adults

Key Benefits of Professional Fluoride Treatment for Adults

There are a number of benefits to professional fluoride treatments. 

• Treatments strengthen tooth enamel. This is the part of your teeth attacked by cavities.
• Fluoride treatments help remineralize early tooth decay. In plain language, this means fluoride treatments can actually help reverse early cavities by rebuilding your tooth enamel.
• Importantly, fluoride treatments reduce the risk of future cavities by strengthening the enamel of your teeth, armoring it against the acid created by bacteria and sugar. 
• Fluoride treatment decreases tooth sensitivity by strengthening your tooth enamel, and by helping block microscopic pathways in your teeth called “dentin tubules,” which are the primary pathways for sensitivity.
• Finally, professional fluoride treatments help protect dental investments, like crowns and bridges via the same mechanisms above. 

The Fluoride Treatment Process at Absolute Dental in Las Vegas 

So, what is fluoride treatment actually like? At Absolute Dental, our fluoride treatments in Las Vegas are routine, painless, safe, and easy. 

Fluoride treatments are generally performed after a teeth cleaning and checkup, although there are some instances where it is performed outside of this setting. 

Generally, after your teeth are cleaned, a hygienist will place either a fluoride varnish on your teeth with a small application device, like a q-tip, or as a gel or foam applied via a dental tray. 

For adults, the varnish application is the most common method of application. It takes just a few seconds, does not cause any pain, and generally doesn’t even taste bad. After a few moments you’re done, but your teeth will thank you. They will be stronger, healthier, and more resilient to cavities for months to come.

See our Smile Saver program.

How Long After Fluoride Treatment Can You Eat or Drink?

Many people want to know: how long after fluoride treatment can you drink coffee or water? Or how long do you have to wait to eat after fluoride treatment? 

The answer depends on what type of fluoride treatment you have gotten (and your dentist and other dental staff will always tell you best practices — make sure to follow their orders). 

For gels and foams, you can generally eat in just 30 minutes. You should also wait this long before smoking, drinking, or rinsing your mouth with anything, including water. 

For varnish, the most common form of application for adults, you should wait at least four to six hours before eating or drinking. After this, you’ll also want to try and eat soft foods until 24 hours after, and avoid hot or sugary drinks. 

What Foods and Drinks Should You Avoid Initially After Fluoride Treatment? 

For at least 24 hours after your professional treatment, you should try to avoid: 

• Very hot or cold drinks
• Sticky foods, like gums and candy
• Hard, crunchy foods, like granola, popcorn, hard candies, lollipops, and suckers
• Alcohol
• Drinks that may potentially stain your teeth, like coffee and tea, at least for the first few hours after your treatment

When Can You Brush Your Teeth After Fluoride Treatment?

Brushing your teeth after fluoride treatment should always be directed by a doctor. However, as a general rule, you should wait at least four to six hours before brushing your teeth, especially when you have received a fluoride varnish.

In some cases, you may want to wait as many as 24 hours before brushing your teeth to allow for maximum fluoride absorption into the enamel of your teeth. Again, the best advice will come from your dentist or dental hygienist.

Contact us today for the best fluoride treatments in Las Vegas today.