fluoride tray instructions grand rapids mi dentist

How to Use Custom Fluoride Carriers (Trays)

Before Applying Fluoride:

  1. Remove dentures or partials (if applicable).
  2. Brush your teeth thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and regular toothpaste.
  3. Floss carefully to remove food and plaque, ensuring fluoride can fully reach the tooth surfaces.

Applying Fluoride:

  1. Dispense a thin ribbon of fluoride gel (0.4% stannous fluoride or 1.1% sodium fluoride) into each tray.
  2. Spread evenly inside the trays using a cotton-tipped applicator, finger, or toothbrush.
  3. Wear trays for 5 minutes. A small amount of excess fluoride may leak out—this is normal.
  4. Remove trays and spit out residual fluoride. 
    • Do not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes after use.

Special Instructions for Head and Neck Radiation Patients:

  • Begin using fluoride trays within one week after completing radiation.
  • Use daily for life to prevent rapid tooth decay.

Care for Fluoride Trays

Daily Cleaning:

  • Rinse and dry trays thoroughly after each use.
  • Brush trays with a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste.

Occasional Deep Cleaning:

  • Disinfecting (Use Sparingly): 
    • Mix 1 tablespoon of Clorox (sodium hypochlorite) with ½ cup of water.
    • Soak trays for 15 minutes occasionally, as needed.
    • Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before use.
  • Removing Hard Water Deposits: 
    • Soak trays in white vinegar overnight, then brush them in the morning.

What to Avoid:

❌ Do not boil trays or expose them to extreme heat (e.g., leaving them in a hot car), as they may warp or melt.

Schedule an Appointment Today

You can really only benefit from applying fluoride to your teeth. This is why we recommend the treatment to child, teen, and adult patients. To schedule an appointment with one of our Grand Rapids, MI, family dentists, call Contemporary Family Dental at (616) 209-3969, or contact us online.