After fluoride is applied, you should be able to rub your tongue on the outside surface of your teeth and feel the coating of the varnish. The coating should also be visible to the eye. The treatment period for fluoride is four to six hours. After treatment: Resume normal oral hygiene the next day. A thorough brushing and flossing will remove any remaining fluoride varnish. Your teeth will look and feel the same as they did before treatment. For more information, please contact Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 704-987-2277. You’ve probably heard this question after a fluoride varnish application: How long do I have to wait before I can eat and drink? Well, that depends. If patients want to make the most of their varnish treatment, the type of varnish you use might dictate when a morning patient can enjoy a hot cup of coffee, or what an evening patient might be considering for dinner. Fluoride varnish works best when it coats the teeth for an extended period of time, so eating and drinking the wrong things too soon can change the efficacy of the treatment. Every varnish manufacturer has a different way of explaining their post-care instructions, so this quick guide helps break them down into an easily digestible format. Just a note: Because many of the instructions surrounding additional use of fluorides were fairly consistent across the board (patient should avoid fluoride gels, foams and rinses the day of treatment, and avoid fluoride tablets for 2-3 days after) , post-care fluoride use is not included in the summaries below. According to instructions from 10 fluoride varnish brands, here’s what should and shouldn’t be consumed after a fluoride varnish treatment, and when: Varnish Pen® 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish (Young
Dental) What the instructions say: In conclusion:
OK right away:
Download the instructions for use
How long should it be left on? 4 to 6 hours What the instructions say: In conclusion:
Avoid for 4 to 6 hours:
OK right away:
Download the instructions for use
How long should it be left on? At least 4 hours What the instructions say: In conclusion:
OK right away:
Download the instructions for use Vanish™ 5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish
(3M™) The coating will naturally wear away in that time period. In laboratory studies, Vanish White Varnish continues to release fluoride, calcium and phosphate for 24 hours. Patients should refrain from brushing or flossing their teeth for 24 hours to achieve the maximum benefit. What the instructions say: In conclusion:
Avoid for 24 hours:
OK right away:
Download the instructions for use 3M™ Fast Release Varnish
(3M™) What the instructions say: In conclusion:
OK right away:
Download the instructions for use Nupro 5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish (Dentsply
Sirona) How long should it be left on? At least 2 hours What the instructions say: In conclusion:
OK right away:
*These aren't specifically mentioned in the instructions found online, so we're assuming they're OK right away; however, more information may be found with the instructions included in the box. Download the instructions for use Oral-B® 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish (Young
Dental) What the instructions say: In conclusion:
Avoid for at least 6 hours:
OK right away:
Download the instructions for use VOCO Profluorid Varnish
(VOCO) How long should it be left on? At least 4 hours What the instructions say: In conclusion:
OK right away:
*These aren't specifically mentioned in the instructions found online, so we're assuming they're OK right away; however, more information may be found with the instructions included in the box. Download the instructions for use Zooby® 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish (Young
Dental) How long should it be left on? At least 6 hours What the instructions say: In conclusion:
Avoid for at least 6 hours:
OK right away:
Download the instructions for use Waterpik® UltraThin Fluoride Varnish
(Waterpik®) What the instructions say: In conclusion:
OK right away:
*Most other varnish brands include alcohol avoidance in their instructions, but instructions found online did not; however, more information may be found with the instructions included in the box. Download the instructions for use This article has been updated to correct after-care instructions for FluoriMax™ 2.5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish. What happens if you brush your teeth after fluoride?Lindsey Koerich usually recommends brushing your teeth the next day after your treatment. However, you can brush your teeth after 6 or so hours after your treatment. After the 6 hours since your treatment, thoroughly brush your teeth. This will help get rid of any excess fluoride that your teeth have not absorbed.
What can you not do after a fluoride treatment?Tips after fluoride treatment. Avoid brushing or flossing your teeth.. Avoid using mouthwash or any alcohol product.. Stay away from hard foods, hot drinks, and extra-cold drinks.. How long does fluoride varnish stay on teeth?Fluoride varnish is safe and used by dentists and doctors all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children. Only a small amount is used, and hardly any fluoride is swallowed. It is quickly applied and hardens. Then it is brushed off after 4 to 12 hours.
Can you brush off fluoride treatment?Should I Brush My Teeth Immediately After Fluoride Treatment? A dentist near you will advise against any dental-related activities during the first 30 minutes after your treatment. Your teeth need ample time to absorb the mineral. However, teeth brushing should not happen after 30 minutes of treatment.
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