Fluoride FAQs: Your Questions Answered | Colgate® (2024)

From strengthening enamel to reversing decay, there are many ways fluoride helps to improve oral health for both children and adults. Interested in how Colgate uses fluoride in our oral care products? Get the facts below with answers to your frequently asked questions about Colgate and fluoride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Colgate have fluoride in their toothpastes?

Yes, Colgate toothpastes contain fluoride. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), fluoride fortifies tooth enamel against acid attacks and can prevent cavities by at least 25% in both children and adults. While proper brushing and flossing habits are critical in the removal of plaque, Colgate fluoride toothpastes provide additional benefits necessary to your oral health.

Do Colgate mouthwashes contain fluoride?

Yes, some Colgate mouthwashes contain fluoride. Fluoride mouth rinse is a solution that contains fluoride and is known to reduce cavities in children and adults. A fluoride mouthwash can strengthen enamel and reverse softening even in places where brushing may miss. Interested in a mouthwash with fluoride? Check out Colgate® Enamel Health Mouthwash. It freshens breath with a cool mint flavour while helping to replenish natural calcium back into enamel.

How much fluoride is in Colgate products?

The amount and composition of fluoride in Colgate oral care products is beneficial and is not harmful to your health. While the amount and type of fluoride content in Colgate toothpastes and mouthwashes varies, the ppm of fluoride in Colgate is generally 1100 ppm for over the counter (OTC) toothpastes and 225 ppm for OTC mouthwashes. Consider talking to your dentist if you’re concerned you’re not getting the recommended amount of fluoride.

Why do some Colgate toothpastes and mouthwashes require a prescription?

Colgate prescription fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes are prescribed by your dentist if it’s determined you need to incorporate a high-fluoride oral care product into your routine. This may be due to high cavity risk, crown and bridge work, orthodontic decalcification, or other concerns. What’s the difference between prescription toothpastes and over the counter varieties? As an example, prescription toothpaste like Colgate PreviDent® 5000 Plus contains 1.1% sodium fluoride, delivering four times more fluoride compared to over the counter toothpastes! Follow your dentist's recommendations on how to use a Colgate prescription fluoride toothpaste as you would any other prescription oral care.

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Fluoride FAQs: Your Questions Answered | Colgate® (2024)

FAQs

Fluoride FAQs: Your Questions Answered | Colgate®? ›

Does Colgate

Colgate
Colgate is an American brand principally used for oral hygiene products such as toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes and dental floss. Manufactured by Colgate-Palmolive, Colgate's oral hygiene products were first sold by the company in 1873, sixteen years after the death of the founder, William Colgate.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Colgate_(toothpaste)
have fluoride in their toothpastes? Yes, Colgate toothpastes contain fluoride. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), fluoride fortifies tooth enamel against acid attacks and can prevent cavities by at least 25% in both children and adults.

What happens to your teeth when you stop using fluoride? ›

One of the most significant consequences of discontinuing fluoride toothpaste is the increased risk of tooth decay. Without the protective shield of fluoride, your teeth become more vulnerable to acid attacks from plaque and bacteria.

Why avoid fluoride in toothpaste? ›

A 2019 CDC study found that fluoride is linked to the development of dental fluorosis. This is a dental defect that causes tooth enamel to become hypomineralized. While mostly cosmetic — causing unsightly discoloration of the teeth — in severe cases, it may also weaken the tooth's structure and lead to physical damage.

How much fluoride is too much? ›

Can fluoride be harmful?
Life StageUpper Limit
Infants 7–12 months0.9 mg
Children 1–3 years1.3 mg
Children 4–8 years2.2 mg
Children 9–13 years10 mg
4 more rows

What are the benefits of not using fluoride? ›

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the benefits of fluoride-free toothpaste.
  • Benefit #1: Enamel Remineralization. ...
  • Benefit #2: Reduced Risk of Dental Fluorosis. ...
  • Benefit #3: Suitability for Individuals with Fluoride Allergies. ...
  • Benefit #4 Safe for Children and Pregnant Women. ...
  • Benefit #5: Teeth Whitening.
Sep 15, 2023

What are the disadvantages of fluoride for teeth? ›

Excess exposure to fluoride can lead to a bone disease known as skeletal fluorosis. Over many years, this can result in pain and damage to bones and joints. The bones may become hardened and less elastic, increasing the risk of fractures.

At what age does fluoride stop working? ›

Fluoride in Older Teens and Adults

Fluoride doesn't stop being useful when you turn 16. Fluoride products and tap water also carry benefits for adult teeth. They remineralize enamel and prevent cavities. If you do not have fluoridated tap water, consider using fluoride toothpaste in addition to a mouth rinse.

Why don't dentists use fluoride anymore? ›

Over the years, there has been very little evidence supporting the use of fluoride. That means given the results of the research studies, there is currently not enough evidence to suggest using fluoride enhanced toothpastes and mouthwashes or undergoing fluoride treatment is beneficial.

Why do dentists push fluoride? ›

This dental application is designed to give your teeth a healthy boost. In fact, fluoride plays a key role in oral care and gives your teeth the protection it needs to fight off decay and cavities.

How long does fluoride stay in your system? ›

Once in the blood, fluoride is gradually removed via the kidneys, reducing to half its original level in between three and ten hours. The long-term blood level is influenced by daily exposure as well as by take-up in growing bone and release as old bone is broken down.

Does the human body need fluoride? ›

Although its role in the prevention of dental caries (tooth decay) is well established, fluoride is not generally considered an essential mineral element because humans do not require it for growth or to sustain life (2).

Is it bad to use fluoride toothpaste every day? ›

Too much fluoride can pose risks to health, but the amount of fluoride in toothpaste is generally safe if a person uses the toothpaste as advised. Fluoride is a naturally occuring mineral that people add to water, food, and other products. Toothpaste is an important part of good oral hygiene.

What are the side effects of fluoride in toothpaste? ›

Affected children may have teeth with white spots or lines, and in severe cases, even brown or gray discoloration on their enamel. This condition often occurs when children swallow fluoride toothpaste, which is why it's important to supervise them while they are brushing to ensure they are spitting along the way.

Why do people refuse fluoride? ›

Thinking topical fluoride is unnecessary. Wanting to keep chemicals out of their child's body. Thinking fluoride is harmful. Thinking there is too much uncertainty about fluoride.

Is there an alternative to fluoride? ›

Xylitol. Xylitol is a great alternative to fluoride in preventing dental decay. It is a natural sweetener classified as a sugar alcohol, extracted from the fibrous parts of plants.

Is fluoride better yes or no? ›

As with many other nutrients, fluoride appears to be safe and effective when used and consumed in appropriate amounts. It can help prevent cavities, but ingesting it in very large amounts through drinking water or other means may lead to serious health issues.

What does leaving fluoride on your teeth do? ›

Typically, fluoride varnish should be left on your teeth for at least 6 hours after application. This allows the fluoride to penetrate the enamel and provide full protection against tooth decay. It's important not to eat, drink, or brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after fluoride varnish has been applied.

What are the long term side effects of fluoride? ›

Such exposure may lead to dental fluorosis or crippling skeletal fluorosis, which is associated with osteosclerosis, calcification of tendons and ligaments, and bone deformities.

What does lack of fluoride in teeth cause? ›

A lack of fluoride can cause your tooth enamel to become weak and prone to decay. The acids in plaque remove minerals in your tooth's hard, outer layer called enamel. This type of erosion causes tiny openings or holes in the enamel, the first stage of cavities.

What does fluoride do to your teeth over time? ›

While low levels of fluoride help strengthen and protect tooth enamel, too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis—a discoloration of teeth, usually with opaque white marks, lines, or mottled enamel and poor mineralization.

References

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