You’re in the patient chair on the receiving end of a fluoride treatment, with your teeth at the dentist’s mercy. You take a big gulp, oh no! Accidents happen, but what do you do when you swallow some professional-strength fluoride?
However, there is no real need to worry. This blog will explain what happens if you accidentally swallow fluoride during treatment and whether it’s a cause for concern. We’ll also discuss some simple steps to get the most out of the treatment without experiencing any side effects.
What happens if I accidentally swallow fluoride during treatment?
Fluoride treatments use a concentrated form of fluoride that is topically applied to teeth. Healthline says dentists provide fluoride treatments in the form of a highly concentrated rinse, foam, gel, or varnish.
This treatment could be administered in various ways, such as a brush, tray, or mouthwash. After fluoride is applied, you might be asked not to eat or drink anything for thirty minutes so that your teeth absorb the fluoride properly.
However, ingesting a small amount of the solution is possible. Accidentally swallowing fluoride during the treatment is usually not a cause for major concern.
When you swallow the fluoride, you might experience temporary nausea or slight stomach upset. However, these symptoms are temporary and resolve themselves by 24 hours.
How much fluoride is in a fluoride treatment?
Dentists use fluoride treatments to strengthen and remineralize teeth beyond what at-home fluoride products can do. Many products we have access to today contain fluoride. However, a professional fluoride treatment can help you get the most out of fluoride under the watchful eye of a professional.
Enhance Dental’s Dr.Omad Chaudhary says, “Professional fluoride treatments are usually formulated with a high dose of fluoride, around 2.26%. However, dental professionals understand that some fluoride can be ingested during the treatment, so the solution is usually safe to swallow in small amounts.”
Fluoride Treatment and Aftercare
Even if you swallow fluoride during treatment, you mustn’t get discouraged, as professional fluoride treatments have a lot of benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, fluoride treatments can restore tooth enamel and even reverse cavities in their earliest stages.
You can take these steps to minimize the side effects related to accidental fluoride ingestion and maximize your benefits:
1. Follow Aftercare Instructions
You might be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes after treatment. This is essential so that your teeth can absorb fluoride effectively.
2. Avoid Alcohol and Fluoride Products
Excessive fluoride exposure can cause fluorosis and stained teeth. To prevent overexposure, it’s important to avoid over-the-counter fluoride products and alcohol.
3. Stick to Soft Foods
When you can eat afterward, avoid hard and sticky foods. Instead, choose soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or apple sauce. This can prevent any discomfort post-treatment.
Can You Get Fluoride Overdose From Professional Treatment?
When it comes to professional treatments, fluoride overdose is rare but possible. Dr. Chaudhary adds, “Large doses of fluoride can be toxic and even deadly. However, fluoride toxicity from professional dental treatments is highly unlikely.”
Fluoride toxicity does occur today; however, professional treatments are rarely the cause. Over 80% of reported fluoride toxicity cases occur in children under six years old due to excessive use of mouth rinses and fluoride supplements. To prevent overdose, it is key to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the use of fluoride is supervised.
To Conclude
Fluoride treatment has various benefits. It administers a controlled dose of highly concentrated fluoride that strengthens teeth over time. If you are someone who has accidentally swallowed fluoride during professional dental treatment, it’s unlikely that it will cause harm.
However, it’s a good idea to keep observing any unusual signs after fluoride treatment. If you do experience serious symptoms, it could indicate fluoride toxicity. Symptoms such as extreme nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and excessive drooling need emergency care.
You might be administered IV fluids, charcoal, or calcium supplements to avoid more fluoride absorption. These are life-saving methods that can avoid the serious complications associated with fluoride poisoning.
