Sometimes when we eat or drink something cold, our teeth get numb, don't they? Or is tooth decay a big problem? For things like this, your dentist may recommend that you use a special gel. That's the gel we're going to talk about today, called Stannous Fluoride.
What is Stannous Fluoride?
Simply put, this is a medicine that helps prevent tooth decay. It is also used to reduce tooth sensitivity. Stannous fluoride is a type of mineral called fluoride, which is very important for the health of our teeth and bones.
Think of it like we apply a layer of cement to strengthen a wall, what this gel does is strengthen the outer covering of your teeth, that is, the enamel. Then your teeth will not decay easily. This is a medicine that should only be used on the advice of a doctor , not something you can buy at a pharmacy and use at will.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this gel
It is very important to clearly explain these facts to your doctor before prescribing this medication to you.
| What you need to know | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have porcelain or ceramic crowns on your teeth. | Sometimes, there is a slight chance that this gel will cause the color of such artificial dentures to change (stain). |
| If you have an allergic reaction to stannous fluoride or other medicines, foods, or preservatives. | Informing your doctor about any allergies in advance can help prevent unnecessary complications. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby. | Any medication used during pregnancy should be taken under medical advice, so it is essential to be informed about this. |
| If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your baby. | Some medications can pass to the baby through breast milk, so you should tell your doctor about this as well. |
How exactly do you use this gel?
To get the most out of this, it's very important to know exactly how to use it.
1. Take this gel on a toothbrush and brush it on your teeth , just like brushing your teeth.
2. The most important thing is, DO NOT SWALLOW this. This is not good for the stomach. Remember that.
3. After using the medicine, do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for at least 30 minutes . This will give the medicine time to absorb into your teeth properly.
4. Follow the instructions given by your doctor or on the medicine label exactly. Do not use more often than prescribed.
What if this is used on children?
Special care is needed when giving this gel to children. Although it is prescribed for children over 12 years of age in some special cases, medical advice should always be followed. It is especially important to explain to children that they should not swallow it.
What to do if you overdose or swallow the medicine?
If you accidentally swallow this gel, don't take it lightly. Especially if it happens to a child, you need to take immediate action.
You can immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Ingesting this gel daily for a long time can damage tooth enamel. Therefore, it is very important not to exceed the recommended dosage and not to swallow it.
What side effects should we be concerned about?
Like all medications, this one can have minor side effects. It's good to be aware of that.
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat. |
| Tooth discoloration | The appearance of stains or discoloration on the teeth. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Mouth or throat discomfort | A slight burning sensation or discomfort in the mouth or throat. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms that are not on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
More little things to know
- What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
- Do not share the medicine with others.
This is a medicine that your doctor has prescribed for you only. Do not give it to others, even if their symptoms are similar to yours.
- How do you store this?
Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature, that is, out of direct sunlight, too hot or too cold. Keep the bottle cap tightly closed. Discard expired medicine without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Stannous fluoride gel should always be used only under the advice of a dentist.
- When using this gel, do not swallow it for any reason. This is for external use only.
- Avoid eating, drinking, and rinsing your mouth for 30 minutes after applying the gel.
- If you notice any allergic symptoms or tooth discoloration, tell your doctor immediately.
- Always keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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