Sometimes when we brush our teeth or drink cold water, our teeth go numb, right? Or is tooth decay a constant problem for you? At times like these, your doctor may have told you to use a special toothpaste that is a little different from your regular toothpaste. Today we are talking about toothpaste containing sodium fluoride, a type of medicinal toothpaste. This is something that is prescribed by a doctor rather than being bought from a regular store.
What is this sodium fluoride toothpaste?
Simply put, this is a special medicine that helps prevent tooth decay and reduce tooth sensitivity. Fluoride is a natural mineral that is very important for the health of our teeth and bones.
Think of our teeth as a wall. What this medicine called fluoride does is to give that wall a strong protective coating. Then the strong part on the outside of the tooth, that is, the enamel, becomes even stronger. This reduces the chance of things like bacteria destroying the tooth. It also controls tooth decay.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing this toothpaste to you, your doctor will ask you some questions. You should also discuss the following information with your doctor.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have kidney disease . | The way the body processes and eliminates substances like fluoride can change with kidney disease. |
| If you already have stains, discoloration, or spots on your teeth. | This is important to distinguish between whether they are caused by the medication or something that was already there. |
| If you have allergies to fluoride or other medications, foods, or preservatives . | It is essential to inform the doctor about any allergies. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby . | Any medication during pregnancy should only be used on the advice of a doctor. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother . | You should ask your doctor to confirm whether any part of the medication passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do you use this?
It is very important to know how to use this correctly. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, follow these steps.
1. Apply a thin ribbon of this toothpaste to your toothbrush, about the size of a pea, to be exact. Don't use too much.
2. Brush your teeth thoroughly once a day for two minutes . The best time to do this is before going to bed at night .
3. Now is the most important thing. If you are an adult , after brushing your teeth, spit out any toothpaste in your mouth.
4. Do not rinse your mouth, drink water, or eat anything else for 30 minutes afterward. This is to give the medicine time to settle on your teeth and work properly.
5. This advice is different when given to children. For children between the ages of 6 and 16, after brushing their teeth and spitting out the toothpaste, they should rinse their mouth thoroughly with water .
Extremely important: Do not swallow this toothpaste for any reason. It is only intended to be applied externally to the teeth.
Be especially careful when giving to small children.
This toothpaste should always be used on children over 6 years of age, but only under medical supervision. You should make sure that the child does not swallow it. If swallowed daily for a long time, it may cause abnormalities (white or brown spots) in the tooth enamel.
What if it is used too much by mistake?
If you accidentally swallow a large amount of this, do not panic. Immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Tooth discoloration | Unusual stains or spots on the teeth. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Mouth or throat discomfort | If you feel a slight stinging or burning sensation in your mouth or throat when using toothpaste. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
What else do I need to know?
- Get regular checkups: It is important to see your dentist on a regular basis to check the condition of your teeth.
- Do not share: This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Do not let anyone else in the house use it, even if they have the same problem.
- Storage: Store at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius) out of the reach of children and pets. Close the cap tightly after use. Discard any remaining product after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- This is a special medicated toothpaste prescribed by a doctor for conditions such as tooth decay or tooth numbness.
- Always use only the amount your doctor recommends (usually the size of a pea).
- Adults should spit out their mouths for 30 minutes after brushing their teeth, while children should spit out their mouths and rinse their mouths thoroughly.
- Never swallow this toothpaste.
- If you notice any signs of allergy or a change in the color of your teeth, see your doctor immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න