Fluoride Trays Post-Insertion Instructions
What You Should Do After Receiving Your Fluoride Trays
Fluoride trays are custom-fitted dental devices designed to apply fluoride treatments directly to the teeth, effectively strengthening enamel and preventing cavities. After receiving your fluoride trays, it’s essential to follow specific care instructions to ensure the best results. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do, how to care for your trays, and how to incorporate them into a healthy oral care routine.
Avoiding Certain Foods and Beverages
- Skip Acidic Foods and Drinks: Avoid consuming highly acidic foods and beverages such as citrus fruits, citrus juices, vinegar, soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks. These substances can weaken your enamel and counteract the benefits of fluoride treatment.
- No Eating with Trays On: Do not eat with your fluoride trays in place. They are intended solely for fluoride application, not for withstanding the wear of chewing or the acidity of certain foods.
How To Wear Your Fluoride Tray
To maximize the benefits of your fluoride tray, follow these steps:
- Brush and Floss First: Clean your teeth thoroughly before using the tray.
- Apply Fluoride Gel: Add a small amount of fluoride gel to the tray, as directed by your dentist. We recommend X-PUR NaF Gel.
- Insert and Fit the Tray: Place the tray over your teeth and bite down gently.
- Wear for the Recommended Time: Follow your dentist’s instructions on wear time based on the fluoride strength.
- Remove and Rinse: After use, remove the tray, spit out any remaining fluoride, and rinse your mouth.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with a Fluoride Tray
A clean mouth is essential for both oral health and fluoride tray care. Here’s how to keep your fluoride tray and teeth clean:
- Clean Your Fluoride Tray Daily: Use an ultrasonic cleaner with a denture cleaner solution, like Polident, to remove plaque and prevent biofilm buildup on your fluoride tray.
- Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. For better results, brush after meals whenever possible to reduce the chances of plaque buildup between meals.
- Rinse When Brushing Isn’t Possible: If brushing after meals isn’t feasible, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash, such as Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash, to help remove food particles and freshen your breath.
- Upgrade Your Toothbrush: For gentle but effective cleaning, we recommend using the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush. For more thorough cleaning, an electric toothbrush, like the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, is a great option.
- Floss Daily: Daily flossing removes particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Try GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss or, if traditional flossing is challenging, use dental flossers or interdental brushes such as GUM Proxabrush.
- Consider a Water Flosser: For deeper cleaning, use a Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser. This is a great addition to your routine as it effectively flushes out debris that may be missed by brushing and flossing.
- Choose a Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste, such as Colgate Total Advanced Professional Clean, is recommended for cavity prevention and gum health.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Consistent dental check-ups are critical when using fluoride trays. Your dentist can monitor your oral health, assess tray fit, and adjust your fluoride treatment plan if needed. Regular cleanings will also help remove plaque and tartar, keeping your teeth in optimal condition.
Have Questions?
If you have further questions or concerns about your fluoride trays, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to ensure you get the most out of your teeth whitening experience for a whiter smile.
