Do your teeth feel numb? Or do you feel a little sensitive when you eat? Maybe your doctor has prescribed a special gel to help prevent tooth decay and strengthen your teeth. So, today we are going to talk about a medicine that is very important for dental health.
Simply put, what is this acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel?
This is a special fluoride treatment that doctors recommend to prevent tooth decay. Also, some people have sensitivity in their teeth and gums, and this gel helps to reduce that.
Think of our teeth as the walls of a house. Over time, these walls can become weak due to food and drink. Fluoride is like a strong layer of cement that coats those walls. The mineral fluoride in this gel adheres to the surface of your teeth and strengthens the enamel of your teeth. This gives your teeth greater strength to resist the acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay. This is very important for the health of your teeth and bones.
Things to tell your doctor before using this
Before giving you this gel, your doctor will ask you a few questions. So be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have porcelain or ceramic dentures: The acidic nature of this gel can sometimes damage the surface of such dentures.
- If you have an allergic reaction to fluoride or other medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes: You should definitely tell your dentist.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, your doctor will be able to decide whether this treatment is right for you or not.
How exactly do you use this gel?
It is very important to follow the exact method of using this.
1. First, brush your teeth thoroughly with your usual toothpaste. Then rinse your mouth thoroughly.
2. Next, apply this gel as much as the doctor tells you (usually about the length of a small ribbon on the toothbrush).
3. Use a toothbrush or a special mouth tray provided by your doctor to apply this gel to your teeth. Leave it on for at least a minute .
4. After a minute, spit out all the gel in your mouth.
5. The most important thing is, DO NOT SWALLOW this gel!
6. For best results, do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes after applying the gel.
7. If using this on children between the ages of 6 and 16 , they should rinse their mouth thoroughly with water after a minute.
Remember, this medicine is for you only. Do not give the medicine your doctor has prescribed to someone else. It may not be suitable for that person.
What to do if you overdose or swallow the medicine?
This is a very important point, especially if you have small children at home. If someone accidentally uses too much of this gel or swallows it, do not panic. Do one of these things immediately:
- Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. They will tell you exactly what to do.
- Otherwise, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
Imagine if a small child accidentally swallowed some of this, never panic. The best thing to do is to immediately notify the above-mentioned place.
Let's learn about the side effects.
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. Let's learn more about it in the table below.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | If you experience symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, it could be an allergy. See a doctor immediately. |
| Tooth discoloration | If you notice any unusual stains or discoloration on your teeth, tell your dentist immediately. This could be due to swallowing the gel over a long period of time. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | These usually go away after a few days. If they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. |
| Headache | These usually go away after a few days. If they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. |
| Soreness/discomfort in the mouth or throat | These usually go away after a few days. If they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. |
| Nausea | These usually go away after a few days. If they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. |
Other things to be careful about
Using this gel does not mean you can stop brushing and flossing your teeth. It is essential to continue maintaining good dental hygiene. Also, don't forget to visit your dentist on time for check-ups.
How do I store this gel?
- Keep it safe, out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- This gel (APF Gel) helps strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
- Always use it exactly as your doctor tells you, in the amount prescribed.
- The most important thing is, never swallow this. When you're done using it, spit out what's in your mouth.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing your mouth for 30 minutes after use.
- If swallowed accidentally, call the National Poisons Information Center immediately or go to the ETU of the nearest hospital.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as tooth discoloration or allergies, tell your doctor immediately.
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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