Have you ever been to a dental clinic and after your teeth are cleaned, they give you a little tray with a foam-like substance to put in your mouth? You might be wondering what this thing is that you have to leave on for a few minutes and then remove. That's what we're going to talk about today. This is really important for the health of our teeth.
Simply put, what is Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride?
This may sound like a long, strange name, but it actually has something very beneficial for our teeth. Simply put, it's a special fluoride treatment that dentists use to prevent tooth decay. It's also used to reduce the sensitivity that sometimes makes your teeth feel numb.
Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in the soil and water. It is essential for the health of our teeth and bones. This treatment involves applying a highly concentrated layer of fluoride to the surface of your teeth. This strengthens the enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth. When it is strengthened, your teeth are able to resist the acids produced by bacteria. This means that the risk of tooth decay is greatly reduced.
Imagine adding a protective shield to our teeth. That's what this treatment does.
Things you should tell your doctor before getting this treatment
Since this is a professional treatment, your dentist will need to know about your health conditions before giving it to you. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Mouth sores or sores: Tell your doctor if you have any sores or cracks inside your mouth, on your gums, or on your lips. The acid in this foam can make those areas more painful.
- Porcelain or ceramic dentures/crowns: If you have crowns or veneers, mention that. Sometimes, the acidic nature of this treatment can cause damage to these items.
- Allergies to fluoride or other substances: This is very important if you have had an allergic reaction to fluoride, other medications, foods, or dyes in the past.
- Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, also inform the doctor.
It is very important for your safety to say these things without hiding them.
How the treatment is done and what to be aware of
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is a treatment that is only performed by a doctor or trained healthcare staff in a dental clinic.
- Do not swallow: During this treatment , it is not recommended to swallow this foam for any reason . Swallowing it can cause nausea and stomach upset. That is why a small tube (saliva ejector) is usually placed in the mouth to drain the saliva.
- Use in children: This treatment is also given to children over 6 years of age in selected cases. However, the dentist will decide on this. When giving this to children, special care is taken to avoid the risk of swallowing.
- Overdose: This is done under controlled conditions in a clinic, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think you have overdosed, go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
- Other dental products: If you are using other dental products (e.g., other fluoride-containing mouthwashes) after receiving this treatment, talk to your doctor about it and get advice.
Can this treatment cause side effects?
Most people don't experience serious side effects, but it's good to be aware of the possible side effects.
| Type of side effect | Features to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Tooth discoloration | If you notice stains or discoloration on your teeth. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| General characteristics | Mild nausea, headache, diarrhea (bloating), mild pain or burning in the mouth or throat. |
What do you do after treatment?
This treatment is just one step in protecting your teeth. For best results, you need to maintain your dental hygiene habits.
- Brush your teeth daily.
- Floss.
- Visit the dentist at the scheduled time and have your teeth checked.
This treatment alone and not brushing your teeth will not do any good. So think of it as an extra boost to your good dental hygiene habits.
Take-Home Message
- Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride is a professional fluoride treatment used in dental clinics to prevent tooth decay.
- This strengthens the enamel of your teeth and reduces the risk of decay.
- Before undergoing treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies, other medical conditions, and pregnancy.
- Do not swallow the foam during treatment. If you experience any unusual symptoms (especially allergies), inform your doctor immediately.
- Even with this treatment, daily brushing and proper hygiene are essential to maintain good dental health.
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