I just started on the implant process a week ago. My oral surgeon is also a close relative, and has spent a lot of time over the past year furthering his knowledge base on oral cancer treatment protocols and ancillary issues like flouride.

I had been told to use stannis flouride once a day for 10 minutes, then nothing to eat or drink for 1/2 hour. He (my cousin/surgeon) just put me on a routine of sodium flouride foam ONE minute a day.

Stannis is "old school", apparently. His research suggested that it required a longer contact period to penetrate tooth enamel. While that in itself may or may not be a problem comfort wise, he says it's not particularily good for gums that are a bit fragile like ours can be.

The sodium flouride foam is a whole lot nicer to use, and tastes a lot better. I like one minute instead of ten, that's for sure. Also, I think that in the long term, patient compliance (mine anyway) will be greater when I only have to wear those trays for a minute.

BTW, the product he has me on is Oral B Minute Foam. Given the amount that you need each time, I suspect a can will last a long time

Wayne

Is the oral b foam prescription?

yes. But your dentist should be able to provide it to you, you won't find it at a drug store.

Are the stents made of very thin pliable acrilyc?

For patients who are undergoing oral radiation, I find that FL trays are hard to manage. First some do not tolerate the taste (taste perception changes during this time for some) and the mucositis makes it hard to use. I recommend my patients to use brush on flouride instead. It does two things. First, it MAKES you brush your teeth. Second, no clumsy annoying trays when your mouth is so tender. So speak with your dentist to see about this recommendation. Also getting proper nutrition is very important. I always tell my patients to drink supplemental drinks. If they find that the whole thing tastes so bad because of the altered taste thing, use the straw to bypass the tougue. Hope this helps. DP

I agree with what you saying Dr. Phan, but I used custom made dental trays a lot (with pH neutral presciption foam) and had very few problems (and I had really severe mucositis and many bouts with thrush as well), also used floss (woven) and a Water Pik. I brushed with a babys toothbrush (with Biotene) and practiced rigorous dental hygiene throughout. I wouldn't let them pull any of my teeth. I didn't find trays clumsy or annoying at all and still use them to this day for weekly flouride treatments using prescription foam. The amount of foam was very small and very penetrating, because it was pH neutral it didn't burn either.

If it was the ONLY thing I achieved all day it was taking care of my teeth.

I still use a straw to this day...

Gary,

I am glad you are taking care of your teeth and they will serve you well. I am also happy that you are doing fine. Keep up the good work. DP

Thanks Dr. Phan,
and we are glad to have you here!