There are more than 700 types of bacteria in your mouth. While some of these types are considered ‘good’, most are hazardous to your oral health. This is why it is important to adopt an efficient oral hygiene routine that removes these bacteria colonies. There are times when brushing with regular, over-the-counter (OTC) fluoride toothpaste cannot successfully address bacteria or plaque build-up, that can lead to cavities and gum disease. This is when your dentist may prescribe prescription strength fluoride toothpaste.
What Does Fluoride Do for Teeth?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel. Cities throughout the U.S. frequently add small amounts of fluoride to the water source to help strengthen their residents’ teeth. Fluoride is also commonly found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and supplements.
Fluoride can help prevent cavities and reverse the early signs of tooth decay by remineralizing your damaged tooth enamel. After you consume carbohydrates and sugar, the harmful bacteria in your mouth will break them down, creating an acid. This acid will eat away at the protective enamel coating of your teeth, and eventually, will make teeth appear transparent. Transparent or translucent teeth are one of the initial signs of enamel wear. Once the tooth enamel is weakened, your teeth will become more vulnerable to the development of cavities.
What is Prescription Toothpaste?
If you brush and floss regularly, but still develop multiple cavities, the fluoride levels in your toothpaste and tap water may not be enough. While OTC toothpaste typically contains from 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million of fluoride, prescription fluoride toothpaste will contain a much higher concentration. Dentists will prescribe prescription fluoride toothpaste, like Colgate’s PreviDent, to help their patients avoid cavities. PreviDent prescription strength fluoride toothpaste has 5,000 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride, or 1.1 percent, which is the highest ppm of fluoride available for safe use. Too much fluoride exposure can be dangerous, even for adults, which is why this type of toothpaste is only available by prescription from your dentist. Dentists will often recommend prescription toothpaste for the following patient types:
- Orthodontic Patients – These patients are undergoing orthodontic treatments that involve complex fixed braces. These treatments can make it difficult for a patient who is prone to tooth decay to prevent the development of new cavities during treatment.
- Patients with a History of Cavities – Patients who have a history of cavities, weak enamel, or a fluoride deficiency are at a higher risk of developing cavities without the use of prescription toothpaste.
- Patients with Dry Mouth – Saliva helps wash away bacteria in the mouth. Patients with dry mouths produce less saliva. An insufficient amount of saliva can allow bacteria to thrive, causing damage.
- Gum Surgery Patients – Studies indicate that the majority of gum surgery patients develop cavities on the roots of their teeth within four years of their procedure. Prescription toothpaste with high levels of fluoride can decrease these cavities by 70 percent.
The History of Prescription Toothpaste Use
The toothpaste most similar to what we use today started to emerge in the early 1800s, and has continued to develop over time. Fluoride was first added to toothpaste in the 1960s, after studies demonstrated its cavity-fighting and enamel-strengthening benefits. Prescription toothpaste, like PreviDent, are a relatively new concept. Colgate released the first PreviDent gel product in 1985 for patients with a high-risk for cavity formations.
Tips for Using Prescription Toothpaste
To control cavity formation, dentists will typically advise patients to use prescribed high fluoride toothpaste for up to three months. A longer term may be prescribed if your dentist feels that prolonged use would be more beneficial. Here are some tips when using prescription toothpaste:
- Unless otherwise directed, you should substitute your prescription toothpaste for your original toothpaste during one of your brushing sessions each day, preferably at bedtime.
- After brushing for two minutes, be sure not to swallow any of the prescription toothpaste.
- Do not rinse your mouth, eat, or drink for 30 minutes to an hour after brushing.
- Avoid getting toothpaste around the outside of your mouth as it could cause a perioral dermatitis flare-up. It has been proven that fluoride and SLS, found in prescription toothpaste, can cause this type of rash.
If you are prone to cavities or have weak tooth enamel, talk to your dentist about prescription toothpaste. Dentists will only prescribe prescription strength fluoride toothpaste to patients if the benefits will outweigh any potential negative side effects. Raleigh residents, make an appointment at Triangle Dentistry for a dental cleaning today, and see if prescription toothpaste is right for you.
Triangle Dentistry located in Raleigh, NC provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns and implants to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 747-3592.
Contributors: Amanda Dexter
Published: 29 March 2022
Updated: 20 September 2022
If you are at higher risk of tooth decay, you may want to start using high fluoride toothpaste. Some of the best toothpaste you can buy from most shops in the UK contains 1,450ppm fluoride; however, if necessary, your dentist may prescribe a toothpaste with up to 5,000ppm fluoride.
Fluoride is a mineral found in water across the UK, but although it is naturally occurring, is it safe to use in high quantities?
This article will discuss the benefits and risks of toothpaste with high fluoride and answer the following questions:
- What is high fluoride toothpaste?
- What does this type of toothpaste do?
- Why might you be prescribed a high fluoride toothpaste?
- What is the best high fluoride toothpaste in the UK?
- Are there any high fluoride toothpaste side effects?
We hope this article will help you better understand the advantages and disadvantages of prescription toothpaste and how they might benefit you.
What is high fluoride toothpaste?
Toothpaste can come containing all different levels of fluoride, and some are completely fluoride-free. High fluoride toothpaste refers to the types that have a higher amount of fluoride than the regular amount of 1,450ppm. These are usually in the form of sodium fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate.
Fluoride is measured in PPM which stands for parts per million. This is because the amount you need for it to work effectively is very small. Most adult toothpaste contains between 1,300 and 1,500ppm and toothpaste for babies and children have, on average, 1,000ppm of fluoride.
According to the NHS, children aged six years and under should use toothpaste with fluoride. They recommend that adults use those with between 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride. However, your dentist can prescribe a toothpaste with a higher amount of fluoride which contains up to 5,000ppm of fluoride.
Prescription fluoride-containing toothpaste may be suitable for some, but it isn’t a replacement for a good dental hygiene routine and regular dental check-ups.
What does high fluoride toothpaste do?
Toothpaste with high fluoride helps to defend against tooth decay and dental caries. It does this by remineralising your teeth, strengthening your enamel, and helping to defend your teeth against acids from food and drinks.
While high fluoride can’t rid your teeth of tooth decay or reverse cavities, it can help to strengthen your enamel against decay and protect against cavities.
Fluoride works to remineralise your teeth by stimulating the production of fluorapatite. This is a type of enamel particularly resistant to acid and bacteria. It also has antibacterial properties that help slow down the growth of bacteria and its ability to stick to your teeth.
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth will go a long way in protecting your teeth from tooth decay and cavities. However, if you need a little extra help for any reason your dentist may prescribe toothpaste containing extra fluoride.
Why might you need high fluoride toothpaste?
A dentist has to prescribe high fluoride toothpaste containing 5,000ppm of fluoride. This is because overuse of fluoride can cause dental fluorosis in developing teeth. To get a prescription for high fluoride toothpaste, your dentist needs to do a dental check-up and assess whether you can benefit from it.
The main reason your dentist may prescribe toothpaste is if you are at high risk of tooth decay. Generally, those at a higher risk of tooth decay include the following people:
- People who regularly skip dental check-ups
- The elderly
- Those with a history of dental decay or who are currently are struggling with dental decay
- People who eat a lot of high-sugar foods and drinks
- Sufferers of dry mouth
- People with diabetes
- Those with poor oral hygiene
- Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment
- Those with receding gums or who are in need of restorative treatment
- People who are on medications containing sugar
There are a few other reasons that you may need toothpaste with high fluoride if you don’t think you fit into one of these categories. These reasons include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Toothache
- If you have any dark spots on your teeth
- A strange taste in your mouth that isn’t going away
If you think you need extra fluoride toothpaste for any of these reasons, book an appointment with your dentist. They will assess your teeth to determine if you would be a good candidate for prescription-only high fluoride toothpaste.
Is high fluoride toothpaste safe?
In the UK, 63% of people brush teeth twice a day and 47% brush with fluoride toothpaste – the highest figure globally.
There have been many studies conducted on the safety of fluoride use in toothpaste. The general consensus seems to be that they are safe when used following the manufacturer's guidelines.
Due to high fluoride toothpaste side effects it’s important not to swallow any. It should also not be used by children under the age of six. Children under the age of six are more likely to accidentally swallow toothpaste, which can cause dental fluorosis over time.
Dental fluorosis is when changes occur in the tooth enamel due to hypermineralisation. One of the major symptoms is when white spots develop on the teeth. The following table summarises the recommended amount of toothpaste to use and what fluoride quantities for different ages:
Children over 6 and adults |
What are the commonly prescribed high fluoride kinds of toothpaste available?
As mentioned above, prescription extra fluoride toothpaste can contain up to 5,000ppm. However, there are different prescription toothpastes, each with different levels of fluoride from 1,500ppm to 5,000ppm.
They also include different ingredients to suit different dental needs, so your dentist will prescribe the one that best fits your individual circumstances.
Some of the most common types of toothpaste with the most fluoride that your dentist may prescribe include:
- Denta 5000
- Colgate Prevident 5000
- Colgate Duraphat 2800
- Clinpro 5000
- SF 5000 plus
Colgate Prevident 5000 is one of the highest fluoridated toothpaste available, and you can only get it with a prescription from a dentist. It contains up to 4 times the amount of fluoride as other regular toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market.
Colgate claims it is best for those that have a high chance of dental cavities, or for those with dental restorations such as crowns or bridges.
Can you buy high fluoride toothpaste over-the-counter in the UK?
To buy toothpaste with a fluoride content of over 1,500ppm in the UK, you need a prescription. Most over-the-counter adult toothpaste has, on average, 1,450ppm of fluoride.
However, there are kinds of toothpaste available that are specifically designed to help remineralise your teeth, protect against cavities, or help with tooth sensitivity.
Most big toothpaste brands have a selection of fluoride toothpaste specifically designed for tooth decay prevention and tooth remineralisation. They all have about 1,450ppm of fluoride but include different ingredients as well to help protect teeth and strengthen enamel.
In the following video, Dr Marcus Spry discusses what he recommends are the best toothpastes for preventing tooth decay and cavities that you can buy over-the-counter in the UK:
Join Doctor Marcus Spry for his help on choosing the right toothpaste and keeping your smile for life 😬. #toothpaste #smile #dentist .To find out more or visit Marcus and his team link here: //www.freshdentalcare.co.uk/ Dr Marcus Spry BDS MJDF Clinical Director (GDC No. 60826) has spent many years practising in the U.K. He qualified from the Royal London Hospital Dental Institute in 1985 where he was also a clinical tutor. Marcus established Fresh Dental Care in 2008 with the vision of offering patients a refreshingly personal service. He designed the practice to be welcoming and friendly, a place where you can come to feel relaxed and cared for, as well as confident that we will help you make the most of your appearance and overall wellbeing. Please like share and subscribe for more help from Dr Marcus every week! To find out more or visit Marcus and his team link here: //www.freshdentalcare.co.uk/
Sensodyne Pronamel Enamel Care Daily Protection Toothpaste
Sensodyne's Pronamel Enamel Care is for daily use to help strengthen your enamel and protect against acid erosion from food and drinks.
Sensodyne claims that its unique formulation helps to lock in minerals and harden your “acid-softened” tooth enamel, which protects against tooth decay and against the formation of cavities.
The active ingredients in this toothpaste are Sodium Fluoride (1,450ppm Fluoride) and Potassium Nitrate. Potassium Nitrate is a key ingredient that helps with tooth sensitivity.
Colgate Sensitive Enamel Repair
Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Enamel Repair Toothpaste
Colgate's Sensitive Pro-Relief Enamel Repair has been clinically proven to reduce teeth sensitivity and helps to repair and protect from enamel damage.
Its pro-argin formula remineralises enamel and the main active ingredient is Sodium Monofluorophosphate (1,450 ppmF).
Check out Colgate's Sesitive Enamel Repair toothpaste
Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced
Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste
Although Regenerate is a lesser-known brand, its fluoride toothpaste formula specifically targets and reverses early enamel erosion. Its NR-5 ingredients combine to help remineralise teeth and strengthen your enamel, leaving them stronger and protecting against tooth decay.
Its main ingredients are Sodium Fluoride 0.315% w/w (1,450ppm Fluoride) and Potassium Nitrate 5% w/w.
Get Regenerate Enamel Sciene here
Oral-B Gum & Enamel Pro-Repair
Oral-B Gum & Enamel Pro-Repair Toothpaste
Oral-B’s Gum and Enamel Pro-Repair is, as the name suggests, for protecting the gums and remineralising tooth enamel. The active ingredient in this toothpaste is Stannous Fluoride (1,100ppm Fluoride) and Sodium Fluoride (350ppm Fluoride).
This toothpaste provides antibacterial action on the gums, protects teeth from acid erosion, and helps to treat sensitive teeth.
The following table summarises the products discussed in this article that you can buy from any store without a prescription:
Over-The-Counter Fluoride Toothpaste | ||
Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Enamel Repair |
| |
Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced |
| |
Oral-B Gum and Enamel Pro-Repair |
| |
Sensodyne Pronamel Enamel Care Daily Protection |
|
Conclusion
High-fluoride toothpaste is any toothpaste that contains over 1,500ppm of fluoride. To get this type of toothpaste, you need a prescription from your dentist. This is because toothpaste with high fluoride is not suitable for everyone, so you need a dental assessment first.
Your dentist will only prescribe a high fluoride toothpaste if they believe you are particularly at risk or struggle with tooth decay.
This type of toothpaste is not a replacement for a good oral hygiene routine. However, some people may still struggle with tooth decay, even with a good oral hygiene routine. Some of these people include the elderly, those with diabetes, people undergoing orthodontic treatment, or those in need of restorative treatment.
You cannot buy high-fluoride toothpaste over-the-counter. However, there are kinds of toothpaste available to help tackle tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion and tooth decay.
Most big brands of toothpaste have a range to choose from and you should find one for your needs. There are also lesser-known brands that specialise in enamel remineralisation and protection against tooth decay, such as Regenerate.
FAQs
Does high fluoride toothpaste whiten teeth?
Fluoride is good for helping strengthen and remineralising tooth enamel. However, excess fluoride can turn your teeth yellow or brown. This is called dental fluorosis.
Fluorosis is unlikely to be caused by high fluoride toothpaste. If you choose a whitening toothpaste that contains fluoride it may help whiten teeth, but that will be because of the whitening ingredients and not the fact it contains fluoride.
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