Duraphat Toothpaste is an effective treatment to prevent dental caries (tooth decay) in and adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over, particularly amongst patients at risk from multiple caries.

The market is starting to see an increase in fluoride free toothpaste with people opting for a more natural option. Some will have less fluoride and others will have none at all.

In terms of preventing tooth decay, fluoride free toothpaste will not be effective. The only benefit you’ll notice from using a toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride is a fresher mouth.

The benefit you have using a toothpaste with fluoride is that the fluoride will help reduce the demineralization process, the first stage of tooth decay. Also if you have demineralization but not yet a full blown cavity, the fluoride can go into the demineralized area and help it remineralize.

The majority of dentists will recommend toothpaste containing fluoride and not fluoride free toothpaste.

High Fluoride Toothpaste is a relatively new innovation that is available in two strengths, 2800ppm and 5000ppm. These two strengths are typically used in patients who are displaying high levels of tooth decay, or are at high risk of dental caries.

As part of a programme to help control active caries, a high fluoride toothpaste may be prescribed for up to three months. If used correctly, i.e. followed the manufacturers and prescribers advice, there should be no adverse effects when using a high fluoride toothpaste.

If you’ve been using toothpaste without fluoride for a long time, you may begin to notice tooth decay, it’s not inevitable however. If caught early, dental caries can be reversed. If you switch to a high fluoride toothpaste it’s just one of the possible measures to counter, prevent and control the caries process in high risk individuals.

If you are switching from a toothpaste without fluoride to one with fluoride, there are a couple of things you need to know:

Do not use Fluoride Toothpaste if you are allergic to sodium fluoride or any of the other ingredients of this medication, listed in section six.
Do not use this medicine if you are an adolescent or child aged under 16 years.
In order to prevent build-up of fluoride during the use of Fluoride Toothpaste, any other form of Fluoride should be avoided, including tablets, drops, chewing gum, gels or varnishes, as well as fluoridated water or salt.

Should I use an electric or manual toothbrush when using High Fluoride Toothpaste UK? It doesn't matter whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush. They're both equally good, as long as you brush all the surfaces of all your teeth and you use a fluoride, high fluoride toothpaste UK.

If you're using an electric brush, one with an oscillating or rotating head may work better than a manual toothbrush.

Brushing your teeth thoroughly with a sodium fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. A whole variety of toothpastes are available containing different levels of fluoride. The amount contained in each tube is measure by parts per million (ppm). This is generally found on the side of the tube.

If you or your child are at risk of tooth decay your doctor may recommend a high strength sodium fluoride toothpaste, otherwise a tube containing 1,350 to 1,500 ppm are the most effective.

Recommended brushing amount for children under three and six years old is to brush twice daily, with a smudge of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride.
Recommended brushing amount for children between three and six years old is to brush at least twice daily with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1,000ppm fluoride.
Recommended brushing amount for adults is to brush at least twice daily with a sodium fluoride toothpaste with a strength of 1,350 to 1,500ppm.

Using 5000 ppm Fluoride Toothpaste will more than likely come from a recommendation by your dentist. They may have recognized the signs of tooth decay that has progressed and requires treatment.

You should use 5000 ppm Fluoride Toothpaste three times a day for brushing your teeth:

Apply a 2cm ribbon of toothpaste onto your toothbrush for each brushing.
Brush your teeth after each meal.
Brush your teeth vertically, from the gum to the tip.
Spit out any excess 5000 ppm Fluoride Toothpaste foam and do not swallow.
Careful brushing of your teeth should take no more than three minutes.

The best fluoride toothpaste is the one your doctor or dentist recommends/prescribes for you. As certain strengths are only available on prescription, the best fluoride toothpaste may not be available to buy over the counter.

Always follow the advice given to you by your dentist or doctor about the health of your teeth. Not using a toothpaste containing fluoride may further harm your current tooth decay condition. Continue to use the best fluoride toothpaste until your doctor or dentist has told you to stop.

We offer a range of different prescription dental treatments on our website.

Although this page is for the generic fluoride toothpaste, branded Colgate fluoride toothpaste is also available to purchase directly from My Pharmacy.

The two strengths available are the same as the generic, 2800ppm and 5000ppm. For daily use instead of regular toothpaste and has a great tasting mint flavour. Colgate Fluoride Toothpaste is listed on BNF as sodium fluoride toothpaste 1.1% DPF.

It has been clinically proven to reduce greater caries than regular toothpaste. To help maximise patient compliance, the toothpaste has minimum disruption to a patient’s regular routine. If you are unsure about the differences between generic fluoride toothpaste and Colgate fluoride toothpaste please speak to your doctor, pharmacist or dentist.

There are many different Fluoride toothpaste dangers and risks, including concerns about bones, teeth, and neurological developments.

Exposure to high concentrations of fluoride during childhood, whilst teeth are still developing, can cause something called dental fluorosis. This causes tiny white specks or streaks to appear in the enamel of the tooth/teeth. This does not affect the overall health of the teeth, but the discolouration can become noticeable. Fluoride use should be avoided in children below the age of six years old.

One of the other Fluoride Toothpaste Dangers is something called skeletal fluorosis. Excessive exposure to fluoride over a period of time can lead to a bone disease known as skeletal fluorosis, resulting in pain and damage to bones. Severe cases can lead to impaired muscles and irregularly thickened bones in the central skeleton.

Lastly, a child with high exposure to fluoride before birth can lead to poor cognitive outcomes in the future. Higher levels of fluoride have been associated with lower IQ scores on tests.

Should you have any concerns about the Fluoride Toothpaste dangers and long-term effects it may have on your health, please to speak to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Before using Colgate Duraphat 5000ppm Fluoride Toothpaste ensure that you are not allergic to any of the listed ingredients in the patient information leaflet, such as sodium fluoride itself.

If you forget to use Colgate Duraphat 5000ppm Fluoride Toothpaste, simply use it as soon as you remember, but do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Treatment should be continued as usual after the next meal.

Fluoride 2800 - Patient Information Leaflet

Fluoride 5000 - Patient Information Leaflet

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water in varying amounts. It can help prevent tooth decay, which is why it's added to many brands of toothpaste and, in some areas, to the water supply through a process called fluoridation. Tooth decay Tooth decay, also known as dental decay or dental caries, is a major health concern worldwide and is still a big problem in the UK. Despite being preventable, it's one of the most common reasons for hospital admission in children. Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth tissue caused by acids made by bacteria in dental plaque. Dental plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on the teeth. Each time you have sugary food and drink, the bacteria in plaque produce acid that attacks teeth. If you eat or drink sugary foods frequently throughout the day, you have more "acid attacks", which can lead to tooth decay. This can eventually lead to cavities (holes) in the teeth and infection, which is why teeth sometimes need to be removed. Read more about the causes of tooth decay. Fluoride toothpaste Brushing your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay. A range of toothpastes are available containing different levels of fluoride. The amount of fluoride in the toothpaste can be found on the side of the tube and is measured in parts per million (ppm). Toothpastes containing 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride are the most effective. Your dentist may advise you to use higher-strength toothpaste if you or your child is at particular risk of tooth decay. Dose Children under 3 years old should brush twice daily, with a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride. Children between 3 and 6 years old should brush at least twice daily with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1,000ppm fluoride. Adults should brush at least twice daily with a toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride. Don't use mouthwash at the same time as brushing. Use it at an alternative time, because it washes away the fluoride in the toothpaste Fluoride mouth rinses Fluoride mouth rinses can be prescribed for adults and children aged 8 and above who have tooth decay. They should be used every day, in addition to brushing twice daily with toothpaste containing at least 1,350ppm fluoride. Rinses should be used at different times to brushing to avoid washing the toothpaste off your teeth, as this reduces the beneficial effects of the fluoride in the toothpaste. Community water fluoridation Most water supplies contain some fluoride and in the early 20th century, levels of tooth decay were found to be associated with fluoride levels in drinking water. Is fluoride safe? There have been some concerns that fluoride may be linked to a variety of health conditions. Reviews of the risks have so far found no convincing evidence to support these concerns. However, a condition called dental fluorosis can sometimes occur if a child's teeth are exposed to too much fluoride when they're developing. Read more about looking after children's teeth and looking after your baby's teeth. Mild dental fluorosis can be seen as very fine pearly white lines or flecking on the surface of the teeth. Severe fluorosis can cause the tooth's enamel to become pitted or discoloured.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Duraphat Toothpaste can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. In some rare cases (i.e. less than 1 in 1000 people treated) allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions can occur e.g. rash, itching swelling and redness. Burning oral sensation has also been reported.

Further Information

Fluoride 2800 - Patient Information Leaflet Fluoride 5000 - Patient Information Leaflet

Fluoride Toothpaste (Generic Duraphat)

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