When I see my patients reaching for our jar of sugarless gum immediately after having fluoride varnish applied to their teeth, it worries me. Is gum OK right after using fluoride varnish?

Although treatment protocols for various products may be different, do not brush or floss for 4-6 hours, and if possible, wait until the next morning to resume normal oral hygiene procedures. Also,during that time, patients should eat only soft foods. So, I would not recommend that they chew gum during that first 4-6 hour treatment time period. To be sure of the ideal procedure with your product, find out from the manufacturer exactly what their protocol recommends.