High fluoride toothpaste contains much more fluoride than everyday toothpaste. It's used by people who are more likely to get tooth decay, to strengthen enamel and help stop early decay getting worse. Because it's so strong, it's a prescription-only product. MedsRus offers Colgate Duraphat high fluoride toothpaste after a short online consultation with a UK prescriber.
How is high fluoride toothpaste different?
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it harder for acids from food and bacteria to dissolve it. It can also help repair the very earliest stages of decay, before a cavity forms.
| Toothpaste | Fluoride level | Available |
|---|---|---|
| Children's toothpaste | Around 1,000ppm | In shops |
| Standard adult toothpaste | 1,350 to 1,500ppm | In shops |
| High fluoride (Duraphat 2,800) | 2,800ppm | Prescription only, age 10 and over |
| High fluoride (Duraphat 5,000) | 5,000ppm | Prescription only, age 16 and over |
"ppm" means parts per million, a measure of how much fluoride the toothpaste contains.
Who is it for?
Dentists usually recommend high fluoride toothpaste for people at higher risk of tooth decay, for example if you:
- have had several fillings or keep getting new decay;
- have exposed tooth roots from receding gums, which decay more easily than enamel;
- wear braces or other orthodontic appliances;
- have a dry mouth, from medicines, radiotherapy or conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome;
- have a sugary diet or find it hard to keep your teeth clean;
- have sensitive teeth from worn enamel.
If your dentist has suggested it, or you've had a lot of decay recently, our prescriber can assess whether it's suitable for you.
Colgate Duraphat toothpaste
Colgate Duraphat contains sodium fluoride. It's used in place of your normal toothpaste, not as well as it.
How to use it
- Brush twice a day, last thing at night and at one other time, for about 2 minutes.
- Use the amount on the label: a strip of about 1cm for the 2,800ppm paste, or about 2cm for the 5,000ppm paste.
- Spit, don't rinse. Rinsing washes away the fluoride. Just spit out the excess.
- Don't eat or drink for about 30 minutes afterwards.
- Don't use a fluoride mouthwash straight after brushing. If you use one, use it at a different time of day.
Safety
- It's only for the person it's prescribed for.
- Keep it out of reach of children. Swallowing too much fluoride while teeth are developing can cause white or brown marks on the teeth (dental fluorosis).
- Don't swallow it.
- Tell the prescriber if you take fluoride tablets or drops, or live in an area with high fluoride levels in the water.
Side effects are rare. Stop using it and get advice if your mouth becomes sore or irritated.
Other ways to prevent tooth decay
High fluoride toothpaste works best alongside good habits:
- Cut down on sugar, especially between meals. Sugary drinks and snacks throughout the day give bacteria more chances to make acid.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Don't brush straight after acidic food or drink, such as fruit juice or fizzy drinks. Wait an hour, as enamel is softer straight afterwards.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals to boost saliva.
- See your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
If you have a dry mouth, sipping water often and using saliva substitutes can help protect your teeth.
Braces, dry mouth and exposed roots
Braces: food and plaque collect around brackets and wires, and the enamel next to them can lose minerals, leaving white marks. Brushing carefully around each bracket with a high fluoride toothpaste, and using interdental brushes, helps protect your teeth during treatment.
Dry mouth: saliva naturally washes away food and neutralises acid. Many medicines, including some antidepressants, blood pressure tablets and antihistamines, reduce saliva and raise the risk of decay. A high fluoride toothpaste is often recommended alongside saliva substitutes.
Exposed roots: as gums recede with age or gum disease, the softer root surface is exposed. It decays more easily than enamel, and can also feel sensitive.
Signs of tooth decay
See a dentist if you notice:
- toothache, or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet;
- white, brown or black spots on your teeth;
- holes or pits in your teeth;
- bad breath or a bad taste that doesn't go away.
Fluoride can help reverse very early decay, but cavities need treatment from a dentist. If you have severe pain, swelling in your face or a fever, contact a dentist urgently or call NHS 111.
How to order high fluoride toothpaste from MedsRus
- Complete a short consultation about your teeth, your dental history and any medicines you take.
- A UK prescriber reviews it and, if suitable, approves your toothpaste.
- We send it in discreet packaging.
High fluoride toothpaste FAQs
Can I buy high fluoride toothpaste without a prescription?
No. Toothpastes above 1,500ppm fluoride are prescription-only in the UK.
Is Duraphat better than normal toothpaste?
For people at high risk of decay, yes, it gives more protection. For most people, a standard fluoride toothpaste is enough.
Can children use Duraphat?
The 2,800ppm paste is for age 10 and over, and the 5,000ppm paste is for age 16 and over.
Should I rinse after using Duraphat?
No. Spit out the excess but don't rinse, so the fluoride stays on your teeth.
Can I use Duraphat with sensitive teeth?
Yes. It can help sensitivity caused by exposed roots or worn enamel. If it doesn't help, see your dentist.
How long should I use high fluoride toothpaste?
Usually for as long as your risk of decay stays high. Your dentist can advise.
Further reading
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