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Pros and Cons of High Fluoride Toothpastes

We are often advised and encouraged by our dentists to practice daily and regular oral hygiene. Sometimes our daily dental routine is not enough, and we end up suffering from bouts of sensitive teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. The foods and drinks we consume on a daily basis can add to our conditions, as many are acidic in nature. You may end up at your dentist for treatment and often he or she may prescribe a high fluoride toothpaste. However, there are pros and cons to using high fluoride toothpastes.

What are High Fluoride Toothpastes?

The commercially available toothpaste that we usually purchase from our local corner store or supermarket chain contains between 1350 parts per million (ppm) and 1450 ppm of fluoride. Dental associations worldwide recommend that toothpastes contain at least 1000 ppm of fluoride as an active ingredient. In contrast, high fluoride toothpaste contains up to 5000 ppm of fluoride and is only available through a prescription from your dentist.

high fluoride toothpastes

Pros of a High Fluoride Toothpaste

Stronger protection against cavities

Although the amount of fluoride in commercial over-the-counter toothpaste protects against cavities, the high fluoride content in Duraphat toothpaste provides a stronger layer of protection. The enamel of the teeth is strengthened, thereby making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and bacteria.

Recommended for certain populations

Many people within the population are at higher risk of developing cavities. If you wear braces and orthodontic appliances, you might be especially at risk for developing cavities or other dental conditions. High fluoride toothpastes are also recommended for people who suffer from dry mouth.

May prevent tooth sensitivity

A number of factors, including tooth decay, gum recession, and enamel erosion, can cause tooth sensitivity. To reduce the risk of enamel erosion, brushing with high fluoride toothpastes such as Duraphat is recommended.

Cons of a High Fluoride Toothpaste

May cause fluorosis

A condition known as fluorosis can develop when you are exposed to too much fluoride during tooth development. Fluorosis is characterized by white spots and streaks on the teeth. In severe cases, brown or black staining can occur. Even though fluorosis is mainly a cosmetic issue, it can become a concern for many people who are sensitive to their appearance.

Not recommended for children

Children under the age of six should not use high fluoride toothpastes. They are prone to swallow toothpaste, and this puts them at risk of excessive fluoride intake, which can lead to fluorosis. A pea-sized amount of standard 1000 ppm toothpaste is recommended for children between the ages of six and sixteen.

May cause irritation or other side effects

In addition to the above-mentioned cons, side effects of Duraphat toothpaste may include irritation and sensitivity in the mouth, lips, or tongue. Ingesting excessive amounts of high fluoride toothpaste may also cause digestive issues and stomach upsets.

Conclusion

Even though toothpaste such as Duraphat has its potential drawbacks, it does provide a high level of protection against tooth decay and cavities. Some of us may be better off using standard toothpaste. But some others need that extra layer of protection against dental problems. At British Chemist, we advise you to consult your dentist if you are experiencing dental issues.

Things You Should Know When Using a High Fluoride Toothpaste

What is a High Fluoride Toothpaste?

Over the years, there has been much debate surrounding the use of fluoride. But much of the controversy stems from the fluoridation of water. However, scientists have found that fluoride is beneficial and helps prevent cavities from an early age. In some instances, because of certain dental and oral conditions, some people may need toothpaste with high fluoride content. This is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene and treat specific conditions. Normal over-the-counter toothpastes contain a fluoride concentration of between 1350 parts per million (ppm) and 1450 parts per million (ppm). They must contain a minimum of 1000 ppm. On the other hand, toothpaste with high fluoride contains 5000 ppm of fluoride and is typically used in adults who suffer from extensive cavities and who have a higher risk of developing cavities.

high fluoride toothpaste

Who Needs a High Fluoride Toothpaste?

People who suffer from the following oral health conditions and are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay should use a high-fluoride toothpaste:

  • Dry mouth
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • History of frequent cavities
  • Orthodontic appliances

To prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health, it is advisable to consult your dentist for the best treatments for your specific condition.

How to Use a High Fluoride Toothpaste

Brushing our teeth with toothpaste is second nature, and using toothpaste with high fluoride levels is no different. But a few precautions have to be taken in order for it to be effective:

  • Using too much toothpaste on your brush can lead to ingestion, which in turn can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Use a pea-sized amount.
  • To allow the fluoride to remain on your teeth longer, you should spit out the toothpaste. Do not rinse your mouth with water. This will also allow the fluoride to provide better protection for your teeth.
  • Do not swallow this toothpaste after brushing your teeth.

Side Effects of this Toothpaste

Fluorosis is one of the most common side effects of using high-fluoride toothpastes. This condition occurs when the teeth are still developing. In order to prevent this, it is important to be aware of your use of high-fluoride toothpaste and to supervise children while they are brushing their teeth. Children are also at greater risk of experiencing the side effects of fluoride ingestion. Therefore, it is recommended that children under 3 years old should brush their teeth with just a smear of toothpaste.

Conclusion

For people who suffer from specific oral health conditions, high fluoride toothpastes can be an effective way of treatment. However, it is crucial that they are aware of the potential side effects if they are using high fluoride Duraphat toothpaste. British Chemist stocks Duraphat toothpaste among other dental health and hygiene products. These are readily available at your convenience.

Signs You Might Need a Prescription Toothpaste

From the day we get our first tooth and right into old age, oral health is an intrinsic part of our lives. And brushing our teeth is one of the most effective ways to ensure that they are kept that way. However, each one of us is unique in our personal dental needs and might need a prescription toothpaste for our oral health. So let’s look at the signs that you might need a prescription toothpaste to take care of your oral health needs.

prescription toothpaste

What is Prescription Toothpaste?

There are multitudes of different toothpastes on the market. Apart from the over-the-counter variants, prescription toothpastes are only accessible through your dentist by means of a prescription. They contain a higher concentration of certain active ingredients as compared to regular over the counter toothpastes. You might need a prescription toothpaste if you suffer from one or more of the following conditions:

  • Excessive tooth decay
  • Periodontal disease
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Dry mouth

Signs That You Might Need a Prescription Toothpaste

To ensure a proper diagnosis for your oral health condition, please ensure that you consult your dentist. The following conditions are usually treated with a prescription of Duraphat toothpaste, among others:

Sensitive Teeth

If you experience pain and discomfort while consuming hot or cold beverages, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth. There are prescription toothpastes that contain ingredients to alleviate the pain that is usually associated with this condition.

Dry Mouth

If you constantly suffer from a lack of saliva, you might be suffering from a dry mouth. This causes an increased risk of dental problems and discomfort in the mouth. The active ingredients in prescription toothpastes also help induce saliva production, thereby keeping the mouth hydrated.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common condition that afflicts many people. Prescription toothpastes used to treat this condition contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, such as fluoride and antimicrobial agents, to promote healing and control the infection.

Tooth Decay

When the enamel of the teeth breaks down, it leads to tooth decay. Brushing with a prescription toothpaste such as Duraphat toothpaste helps prevent decay and strengthens the enamel. These toothpastes also contain a higher concentration of fluoride.

Braces and Other Orthodontic Appliances

If you wear braces or orthodontic appliances, you are at risk of developing dental problems. Prescription toothpastes help prevent these issues and assist in maintaining good oral health.

Benefits of Prescription Toothpaste

The benefits of prescription toothpastes are multifold as they

  • induce good oral hygiene.
  • are effective treatments for specific dental health conditions.
  • also offer better treatment and protection against dental problems.
  • contain a higher concentration of active ingredients.

Conclusion

Using the correct toothpaste is crucial for both dental health and overall well-being. It is important to consult with your dentist if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned dental conditions. Your dentist will be able to prescribe Duraphat toothpaste to treat and maintain your dental health condition. These toothpastes are available via our British Chemist website for your convenience.

How Much Fluoride Should Be in Your Toothpaste?

Introduction

Toothpaste is an essential part of a healthy dental routine. With so many choices, it might be tough to tell which one is the best. Several toothpastes can contain fluoride, a mineral that is very naturally present in soil as well as rocks. So how much fluoride should you use in your toothpaste?

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that is found in some foods, water, and soil. It is known for making tooth enamel stronger and preventing cavities. Fluoride works by remineralizing your teeth’s enamel, which makes them more resistant to tooth decay caused by bacteria that make acid.

The Benefits of Fluoride in Toothpaste

fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is beneficial for your teeth because:

  • It can rebuild (remineralize) weak tooth enamel,
  • It can slow down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel,
  • Also this can reverse early signs of tooth decay, and stop harmful oral bacteria from growing.

When bacteria in your mouth break down sugar and carbs, they make acids that eat away at the minerals in your tooth enamel. Demineralization is the process by which minerals are taken away. When your tooth enamel is weak, bacteria that cause cavities can easily get into your teeth.

How Much Fluoride Should Be in Your Toothpaste?

Dental associations and practitioners concur that fluoride toothpaste should be used when a baby’s first tooth comes in. Also, instead of fluoride-free or very low-fluoride toothpaste, children’s toothpaste should be used (1,000 ppm).

For children under the age of three, use a “smear” of toothpaste when they brush their teeth. Put no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush for kids ages three to six. Adults shouldn’t use high-fluoride toothpaste every day unless they have a medical condition that makes them more likely to get cavities or they wear fixed, complex braces for several months at a time. In these instances, Duraphat toothpaste is recommended and prescribed.

The Risks of Too Much Fluoride

Too much fluoride can cause fluorosis of the teeth. Fluorosis is a disease that causes tooth enamel to change color. Most of the time, this discoloration shows up as white, or occasionally brown spots. Fluorosis is most commonly caused when youngsters in their teeth-forming toothpaste that’s years swallow instead of spitting it out.

The majority of instances of dental fluorosis are mild to moderate. In moderate to severe instances, the enamel alterations are more pronounced and widespread, and the teeth develop black patches and pits. The chance of getting extreme fluoride from toothpaste is low. Children are more likely to swallow toothpaste, so they are more likely to get too much fluoride.

Conclusion

Fluoride is an essential component of toothpaste that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. However, in some individuals, it will be necessary to use Duraphat toothpaste to treat cavities and to prevent decay. British Chemist stocks Duraphat toothpaste for your convenience. Please remember to consult your dental practitioner for advice on treating oral and dental issues.

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