How to Use Brush-on Fluoride » College of Dentistry » University of Florida (2024)

FAQs

How to Use Brush-on Fluoride » College of Dentistry » University of Florida? ›

For people older than 6 years old, it's best to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. That's right, you don't need to cover all of your toothbrush bristles with the paste. It's important to brush your teeth with this paste twice a day for two minutes each time.

For people older than 6 years old, it's best to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. That's right, you don't need to cover all of your toothbrush bristles with the paste. It's important to brush your teeth with this paste twice a day for two minutes each time.

Apply a thin ribbon of the prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste to your toothbrush and brush thoroughly for two minutes, preferably at bedtime. Continue to use your regular toothpaste for your other daily brushing.

Some experts, including the U.K.'s Oral Health Foundation, now recommend spitting out any excess saliva or toothpaste after you're done brushing as opposed to rinsing your teeth. Leave the fluoride on your teeth as you go about your day, and try to avoid eating or drinking for 10 minutes or more after brushing is done.

Do not be in a rush to brush your teeth. At least wait for about 4 – 6 hours before you keep up with your regular dental routines. The longer you wait, the better your teeth absorb the fluoride.

1. Apply a thin ribbon of paste to a toothbrush. 2. Brush thoroughly once daily for 2 minutes, preferably at bedtime in place of your regular toothpaste.

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.

After treatment: Do not brush or floss for at least six hours. Eat only soft foods for at least two hours. Do not drink hot beverages or alcohol for at least six hours.

You can buy low-strength fluoride mouthwash over the counter. Stronger concentrations in liquid or tablet form need a healthcare provider's prescription. A dentist can also apply fluoride to your teeth in the form of: Foam, which they'll dispense into a custom tray, then place over your teeth.

In some cases, it can be from 4-6 hours; in others, our dentist may recommend leaving it on overnight. If you are instructed to leave the varnish on overnight, do not brush or floss your child's teeth that night, as that will cause the varnish to come off.

How fluoride is applied in a dental office setting? ›

The fluoride might come in the form of a gel, foam or varnish. It can be applied with a swab or brush or placed in a tray held in the mouth for a few minutes. After the treatment is applied, don't eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic areas of decay.

2 minutes—2 times a day

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the 2/2 rule: brush for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes at night with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Place the bristles on the gumline at a 45-degree angle, pointing toward the tooth's chewing surface or crown. This position is the opposite of the Bass and Stillman technique. Gently vibrate the brush for 15 to 20 counts, using short circular strokes or small back and forth motions.

Rinsing your mouth can prematurely wash out the fluoride that is working on your teeth. By spitting out toothpaste then not rinsing it out with water, the fluoride in the toothpaste will remain in the mouth and continue to be effective.

Allow the fluoride to remain on the teeth for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, thoroughly expectorate (spit out) the residual fluoride. Very Important: Do not rinse mouth, drink or eat for at least 30 minutes after fluoride use.

Possible Risks of Not Rinsing After Brushing

Even though it's generally considered safe to avoid rinsing after brushing your teeth, there are some side effects to consider. For instance, ingesting too much fluoride can result in nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

At the very least, brushing your tongue will make your mouth feel really clean. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste like Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Extra Fresh to help actively repair acid-weakened enamel and freshen your breath.