Tooth decay is unpleasant and uncomfortable, and the treatment isn’t pleasant either – nobody really wants to have a root canal. However, there are some simple changes you can make to help fight the early signs of tooth decay and help prevent further dental deterioration.
Buy Colgate Duraphat Flouride Toothpaste £14.49
In this article, discover everything you need to know about Colgate Duraphat toothpaste, the high-fluoride toothpaste, including what it is, how it works, and where you can buy it.
WHAT IS DURAPHAT TOOTHPASTE?
Duraphat toothpaste contains a high amount of fluoride in comparison to regular toothpaste.
It contains 5000ppm of fluoride, which is just over three times more fluoride than you’d usually get in standard toothpaste (the standard recommendation of fluoride in toothpaste for adults is between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm[1]).
Each 2cm ribbon of Colgate Duraphat toothpaste contains roughly 3-5 mg of fluoride.
WHAT COLGATE DURAPHAT TOOTHPASTE TREATS
Duraphat toothpaste is used to treat the early stages of tooth decay and help prevent further deterioration in adults and children aged 16 and over.
Plaque is a sticky film that forms over your teeth due to a build-up of bacteria in your mouth, which can leave your teeth feeling ‘fuzzy’.
Plaque has a chemical reaction to the sugars in sugary and starchy foods you consume which creates an acid that breaks down the enamel in your teeth, creating cavities. These cavities are tiny holes in the enamel which allow the plaque and bacteria in your mouth to penetrate your teeth. This is also known as tooth decay.
Tooth decay can cause symptoms such as sensitive teeth, toothache, and bad breath. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious health conditions such as abscesses in your mouth or even gum disease[2].
However, a dentist may also prescribe Duraphat toothpaste to combat a dry mouth or poor oral health, or to people who have braces fitted, as they can be more susceptible to tooth decay.
HOW DOES COLGATE DURAPHAT TOOTHPASTE WORK?
The higher concentration of fluoride in the Colgate Duraphat 5000ppm toothpaste strengthens the enamel in your teeth to make them more resistant to the acids caused by plaque.
These preventative measures help to prevent tooth decay from occurring.
HOW TO USE COLGATE DURAPHAT TOOTHPASTE?
If you are replacing your regular toothpaste with Colgate Duraphat toothpaste, you should brush your teeth 3 times a day.
You should use a 2cm strip of toothpaste and brush in vertical motions, ensuring you reach every part of your teeth and gums, for 3 minutes and then spit out the foam – do not swallow.
Your teeth go through a remineralisation process when you brush your teeth, which is the process of minerals and enamel being repaired and restored in your teeth. Eating can disrupt this process, so it is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal (at least 3 times a day).
ADVICE ON USING HIGH FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE
The active ingredient in Duraphat toothpaste is Sodium fluoride.
In rare cases, this ingredient may cause an allergic reaction. If you experience swelling, itching or a rash, seek advice from a medical professional as soon as possible.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in water and soil, and studies soon discovered its benefits in preventing tooth decay. Water authorities introduced local schemes to increase fluoride levels in public water supplies where the mineral was lacking, and results showed reduced cases of tooth decay in the area[1].
As with most things, if you consume high amounts of fluoride, it can have a negative impact on your health. It is advised that you avoid water and salt that contain fluoride when you are using this toothpaste, as well as any other products containing fluorides, such as mouthwashes, chewing gum and dental gel.
Prolonged high doses can weaken the bones and cause conditions like Skeletal Fluorosis[3]. But these more serious side effects are rare as long as you carefully follow the guidelines of the Duraphat toothpaste.
CAN YOU BUY COLGATE DURAPHAT TOOTHPASTE OVER THE COUNTER?
Duraphat 5000ppm toothpaste cannot be sold over the counter; its high level of fluoride means it can only be prescribed to you by your doctor or dentist.
BUY COLGATE DURAPHAT TOOTHPASTE ONLINE
You can buy Colgate Duraphat toothpaste online directly from PostMyMeds without the need for a prescription – with prices starting from £14.49.
All you have to do is complete our quick online consultation to ensure treatment is suitable for you and we’ll deliver your order first class via Royal Mail.
