,At our dental office in West Columbia, we understand the importance of maintaining optimal oral hygiene and protecting your teeth from harmful bacteria. Despite practicing good oral habits, some individuals may still develop cavities and seek additional protective measures. That’s where fluoride trays come in.

How Fluoride Trays Benefit Your Dental Health

Research has shown that fluoride plays a crucial role in safeguarding teeth against acid erosion and decay. By using fluoride trays, you can prevent tooth decay from occurring and address early-stage decay before it becomes visible. While fluoride cannot reverse extensive tooth decay, it is highly effective in preventing further decay when used correctly.

• Children whose teeth are still forming. The presence of fluoride during tooth development will help to ensure stronger and more decay-resistant adult teeth.
• Adults who experience frequent tooth decay problems. Fluoride can definitely work to strengthen teeth that are weak and therefore more susceptible to decay.
• Individuals who have received head or neck radiation treatment. Radiation treatments tend to reduce an individual’s natural saliva production, which in turn can dramatically increase the risk of experiencing tooth decay.
• Individuals who take medication that reduces their salivary flow. Again, anyone who has reduced saliva production is more susceptible to tooth decay issues, since saliva is actually a critical component in the fight against harmful oral bacteria.
• Individuals who experience tooth sensitivity. Fluoride can work to seal the exposed tubules that are often at the root of tooth sensitivity issues.

Fluoride trays are custom-made to fit your mouth, and are filled with prescription fluoride gel before being inserted in your mouth for a specific length of time. In addition to strengthening basic tooth structure and protecting against tooth decay, fluoride trays can actually help to desensitize any sensitive tooth root surfaces that may be bothering you. That is, as long as you use it correctly and consistently.

Using a Fluoride Tray

In order to get the most benefits you will need to:

• Use them every night before bed, after brushing and flossing your teeth.
• Place the prescription gel into the tray precisely as instructed by your dentist.
• Swallow several times in a row in order to help dry your mouth as much as possible.
• Place the fluoride trays in your mouth, firmly seating them in place.
• Spit out any excess fluoride that moves from the trays into your mouth.
• Leave the trays in your mouth for a full ten minutes, refraining from swallowing.
• Remove the trays from your mouth, spitting out any excess fluoride that remains.
• Thoroughly rinse the trays with running water and place them upside down so they can dry.
• Avoid eating, drinking, brushing or rinsing your mouth for at least one hour after applying the fluoride trays.

Your dentist will give you valuable tips to follow in order to take care of your fluoride trays and ensure they are working as well for you as possible. If you have any questions or experience any problems, Contact Todays Dental Now. as soon as possible.