I have fluoride trays, but haven't used them since early in treatment (5 yrs out).

My oncology dentist and support group members are recommending I return to using them.

Can anyone recommend what type of stuff to order to put in the tray?

Thanks!

Ask the dentist. Some even keep stock to sell.

[quote=PaulB]Below are the New 2014 NCCN Head and Neck Cancer Guidelines for "Principles of Dental Evaluation and Management." It can be seen in its entirety in version 2.2014 (only).

Goals of Pre-RT Dental/Oral Evaluation:

1. Patient education, both oral and written, regarding oral and dental complications of RT and need for compliance with preventive protocols.

* Effect on Salivary glands:
> Dry mouth strategies
. Increaee hydration
. Salivary substitutes-eg, calcium phosphate containing solutions, gels containing Lysozyme. Lactoferrin and peroxide.
. Alcohol Free Mouthwash
. Salivary stimulation eg, Xylitol chewing gum, sorbitol/makic Acid Lozenges or Xylitol losengesb
. Cholinergic agonists - Pilocerpine cevimeline

> Dental Carries Prevention
. Diet Counceking
. High potency topical fluoride-continue long term after therapy
. Daily 1.1% NaF gel or SNF2, brush on or custom made dental trays or daily 1.1% dentifrice or fluoride varnish, three times a year,
. Calcium Phosphate saliva rinse

> regular frequent Dental evaluation to detect dental disease
. Effect on bone in irritated field

> Need for pre-RT Dental Evaluation and determine need for dental extractions.
. If Yes, should be completed at least 2 weeks prior to the start of RT
. Long term prognosis of teeth and patient motivation should be considered.
. Need to contact dental oncology if any future extractions or surgery in irritated field.

> Effect on Macsticatory muscles
. Prevention of Trismus
. Maintain range of motion
* tongue blades and gentle stretching
* Custom mouth opening devises for rehabilitation of trismus and jaw motion

2. Examination and Assessment of Patient with Treatmnt Plan

. Complete oral and head and neck examination, inc,using radiographicsof all teeth
. Existing Peridontal and dental conditions
. Radiographicsof evidence of Peridontal and dental conditions
> Oral hygiene
>Past dental history
> Patirnt motivation and compliance

. Treatmnt Plan
> Eliminate potential sources of Infection
> Extractions at least two weeks before start of RT
> Treatmnt of active dental carries, Peridontal disease
> Silicone guards to minimize back scatter, if patient has
any metl restoration
> Prescribe potent topical fluoride for daily use. Duration to be determined by periodic carries risk assessment over time.
> Return visit for reevaluation and reinforcement of Preventive Protocol, during, last week of RT
> Evaluation for oral condition and treat appropriately with agents.

Goals of Dental Management during cancer Treatment
1. Manage Xerostomia
2. Prevent Trismus of Macsticatory muscles
3. Evaluation for Oral Candidiosis and treat as clinically indicated

Goals of Dental Management Post Treatmnt
1. Manage Xerostomia
2. Prevent and Managemnt of Trismus
3. Prevent and dental carries
4. Prevent post radiation osteonecrosus
5. Prevent and Manage oral Candidiosis

Dental recall visit interval based on risk, at least once every 6 months, or more frequently for those with Xerostomia, or those with new carries, lesions following radiotherapy.
[/quote]

Not a recommendation, because I just had the trays made and got my prescription (from the dentist) filled at Walgreens. But what they gave me is called "Colgate PreviDent 5000ppm Booster Plus". The label say it is a 1.1% sodium fluoride prescription strength toothpaste.

Just before bed I am to brush my teeth and floss, then put a little of this into the trays and keep them in for 5 minutes or thereabouts. When taking them out don't rinse or gargle - just go to sleep and let the stuff do it's magic overnight.

Hope this helps.

I also use Prevident every night and have for the last 6 years, and will continue to until my teeth choose to fall out.

I have not even had trays for 12 years in July. I use Prevident 5000 for sensitive teeth, 3 times daily. Only my dental oncologist knows.

My dental oncologist told me to buy the over the counter Colgate Gel-Kam. I started off with the berry flavor because they said Mint or Cinnamon would burn for the duration of radiation and the following couple months. I am now using Mint. I was told to wear my trays every night for 10 minutes for the REST of my life but I think I'll make my own rules and make it every other day within the next year or so.

Brandon, I would seriously reconsider your decision to ignore what your dentist is saying. The flouride in your toothpaste is not strong enough and it is not the flouride you want to use to try and save your life. The expense and potentially deadly consequence of your decision doesn't make sense. Also, you should check with your cancer treatment center to see if they have a family practice clinic with ACE (After Cancer Experience) or similar certified physicians. They adjust lifetime screenings, as an example, for younger people that have gone through toxic treatments like we do.

Brandon, I second Uptown's advice. For me having to do 5 minutes every night with the trays and real fluoride stuff is the smallest price to pay for keeping my teeth!