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These are some questions, relating to the range of Colgate products that we receive from health professionals. If you have any other questions, please email us.
Dental professionals are encouraged to contact the Colgate Territory Manager in their local areas.
| When should fluoride products be recommended? |
| It is recommended that everyone use fluoride toothpaste daily. The use of fluoride toothpaste is widely acknowledged as contributing significantly to the decrease in tooth decay (caries) over the past two decades. For children under six years of age, a low concentration fluoride toothpaste (400 ppm) such as My First Colgate is recommended as young children swallow rather than spit paste out when brushing. When individuals are found to be “at risk” of caries, additional fluoride protection may be needed. Numerous products such as high concentration fluoride toothpaste (5000 ppm), mouthrinses, gels and varnishes are widely available from dental practitioners and through pharmacies. Caries risk is assessed based on a number of factors including an individual’s past caries experience, dietary habits, medications, oral hygiene effectiveness, the level of caries causing bacteria, fluoride exposure and salivary flow. An individual’s caries risk may change at times due to changes in lifestyle, general health, orthodontic treatment or other events which alter the individual’s risk factors. |
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| How does fluoride work? |
| Fluoride has several modes of action:
Inhibits bacterial production of acids Prevents loss of minerals (demineralisation) from tooth structure Enhances the uptake of minerals (remineralisation) in tooth structure In high concentrations, prevents bacterial growth and is toxic to plaque bacteria. |
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| Are topical fluoride products more effective than systemic fluoride products? |
| Extensive clinical research indicates that regular topical exposure of tooth surfaces to fluoride is more effective in preventing tooth decay (caries) than systemic fluoride products. However, in non-fluoridated areas fluoride tablets remain an important preventive aid against tooth decay. |
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| Which fluoride product is best to recommend? |
| The specific fluoride product that is best to recommend will depend on evaluating a number of factors. Factors of particular importance are:
The fluoride concentration of the available products An individual’s risk of tooth decay (caries risk) Presence of erosion Dentinal sensitivity An individual’s motivation and ability to change behaviour An individual’s preferences Where an individual may have difficulty changing oral hygiene habits, a product such as a high concentration fluoride (5000 ppm) toothpaste may be ideal. This toothpaste is simply used daily in place of other toothpaste. No change in behaviour is required if the individual is brushing daily. Where an individual is highly motivated, products such as daily or weekly fluoride mouthrinses or use of gels can supplement the individual’s normal oral hygiene routines to increase fluoride exposure. The fluoride exposure can be increased by using a low concentration fluoride product more frequently or by using a higher concentration fluoride product. Higher concentration fluoride products (>1000 ppm) are indicated where caries risk is high or where erosion of enamel is evident. The higher concentration fluoride products include 5000 ppm toothpaste, gels (12,300 ppm), and varnishes (22,600 ppm). Varnishes are recommended for in surgery application where an individual is attending frequently for an acute phase of management. Where erosion is present, neutral sodium formulas should be recommended in preference to acidulated phosphate formulas. Adult supervision is essential where additional fluoride products are being recommended for children. The causes of the caries risk need to be assessed and altered in order to achieve long term improvement. |
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| Can chlorhexidine and fluoride products be used together? |
| Chlorhexidine interacts with detergents and fluoride in toothpaste. For this reason, it is recommended that fluoride toothpaste be used in the evening before going to bed and chlorhexidine products be using in the morning following normal brushing. The chlorhexidine product should be used 30 minutes after brushing or brushing should be following by rinsing with water before using the chlorhexidine product. |
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| Does a powered toothbrush clean better than a manual toothbrush? |
| Numerous studies have shown that plaque removal is better with a powered toothbrush than with a manual toothbrush. This may be attributed to the methodical action of the brush, to the small size of the head of the brush, or to the novelty of using the powered brush. |
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| What is the concentration of fluoride in toothpaste? |
| The concentration of fluoride in toothpaste varies from country to country according to regulations. In Australia, the maximum fluoride concentration in toothpastes sold in supermarkets is 1000 ppm. Consequently, this is the standard concentration of fluoride found in toothpastes on supermarket shelves. Some toothpastes formulated specifically for use in children under the age of six have lower concentrations of fluoride, eg., 400 ppm in My First Colgate. The toothpaste with the highest concentration of fluoride (5000 ppm) currently available in Australia and New Zealand is Colgate Neutrafluor 5000. Colgate Neutrafluor 5000 is available only in pharmacies or through dental surgeries. |
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| What concentration of fluoride is available in various products? |
| There is a wide range of fluoride concentrations available in many products. The Colgate products currently available in Australia and New Zealand contain the following concentrations of fluoride. |
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| When should a chlorhexidine product be recommended? |
| Chlorhexidine is recognised as one of the most effective agents for controlling plaque formation and bacteria in the mouth. Chlorhexidine is recommended for control of tooth decay (caries) and gingival (gum) inflammation. |
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| When is a chlorhexidine gel recommended instead of a chlorhexidine mouthrinse? |
| Chlorhexidine gel is safe for use with patients of any age as it does not contain ethanol. It is often preferred by patients over rinse because of its weaker taste and flavour. Chlorhexidine gel may also be advantageous where the affected area of the mouth is limited, e.g., surgical site or where the alcohol content of the mouthrinse may irritate tissues that are sensitive due to ulcers or dry mouth (xerostomia). |
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| What benefits does Colgate Total toothpaste offer over other toothpastes? |
| Colgate Total toothpaste contains an antibacterial agent, triclosan, which has been shown to be clinically effective in managing tooth decay (caries) and gingival (gum) inflammation. In addition, Colgate Total toothpaste contains a copolymer that sustains the antibacterial activity of triclosan in the mouth (12 hour protection). Colgate Total is the only toothpaste with this patented triclosan/copolymer formula. |
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