Colgate Duraphat (Sodium Fluoride)

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Colgate Duraphat (Sodium Fluoride) is a toothpaste used for dental hygiene and prevent the teeth from decaying'.

If you think Colgate Duraphat is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

How do I buy Colgate Duraphat online?

Buy Sodium Fluoride Toothpaste

You can safely purchase Colgate Duraphat toothpaste online at UK Meds. Before your order is processed, you'll need to complete an online consultation with a registered independent prescriber. This ensures that Colgate Duraphat is the right product for your dental health needs. Always follow the guidance provided by your healthcare professional.

What is Colgate Duraphat?

Sodium Fluoride

Colgate Duraphat is a prescription-only fluoride toothpaste designed to prevent dental cavities in adults, particularly those at high risk. It contains sodium fluoride, a key ingredient known for its cavity-preventing properties, and is part of a group of medicines called caries-preventing agents.

How does Colgate Duraphat work?

The sodium fluoride in Colgate Duraphat works by:

• Preventing demineralisation: It protects the tooth enamel and exposed dentine from breaking down.
• Promoting remineralisation: It helps rebuild and strengthen tooth surfaces, making them more resistant to decay.

Studies have shown that fluoride's cavity-preventing benefits are dose-dependent and increase with longer topical application. Colgate Duraphat has been clinically proven to effectively protect teeth when used regularly.

What are the benefits of using Colgate Duraphat?

The key benefit of Colgate Duraphat is its ability to prevent dental cavities in adults aged 18 and over. By regularly using this high-fluoride toothpaste, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities and maintain better oral health.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Colgate Duraphat patient information leaflet.

How do I use Colgate Duraphat?

Colgate Duraphat is a prescription toothpaste for adults aged 18 and over. Use it as directed by your dentist or doctor to ensure proper care for your teeth.

Steps for Use:

1. Apply the toothpaste: Squeeze a 2cm ribbon of toothpaste onto your toothbrush. This amount contains approximately 3–5mg of fluoride.
2. Brush your teeth after meals: Use the toothpaste three times a day, ideally after each meal.
3. Brush correctly: Move your toothbrush vertically, from your gums to the tip of your teeth.
4. Spit, don’t swallow: Spit out the foam after brushing. Avoid swallowing the toothpaste.
5. Brush for three minutes: Ensure thorough cleaning of your teeth during each session.

What If You Forget to Use It?

• Brush as soon as you remember.
• Do not use double the amount to make up for a missed application.
• Simply continue with your usual routine at your next meal.

For the best results, follow your dentist’s guidance and maintain consistent oral hygiene.

What is the recommended dosage of Colgate Duraphat?

To use Colgate Duraphat effectively:

• Apply a 2cm ribbon of toothpaste onto your toothbrush for each use. This amount contains approximately 3–5mg of fluoride.
• Brush your teeth three times a day, ideally after each meal.

Always follow the guidance of your dentist or doctor to ensure proper dental care.

What side effects can Colgate Duraphat have?

Like other medications, Colgate Duraphat toothpaste may cause some side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Rare Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions: Symptoms may include rash, swelling, itching, or redness.
• Burning sensation in the mouth.

If you notice any unusual side effects, contact your dentist, doctor, or pharmacist for advice.

What precautions should you be aware of?

To ensure safe and effective use of Colgate Duraphat toothpaste, follow these precautions:

Who Should Avoid It:

• Do not use if you are allergic to sodium fluoride or any of the other ingredients in the toothpaste.

Important Usage Notes:

• High fluoride content: Avoid combining this toothpaste with other fluoride sources like fluoride tablets, chewing gum, drops, gels, or fluoridated salt or water. Your dentist should assess your total fluoride intake to prevent overexposure.
• If you swallow a large amount of toothpaste accidentally and experience digestive discomfort, contact your doctor immediately for advice.

Potential Risks:

• Excessive ingestion of toothpaste over time may cause:
  • Staining or speckled appearance on tooth enamel.
  • In rare cases, convulsions (especially in children) due to menthol in the toothpaste.

Special Considerations:

• Avoid eating or drinking immediately after brushing, as it may reduce the toothpaste's mineralising effects.
• During pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist before use.

Medication Interactions:

• No known interactions exist, but always inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you’re taking to ensure compatibility.

By following these guidelines, you can use Colgate Duraphat safely and effectively to maintain your dental health.

• Sodium Fluoride - BNF
• Fluoride Dental Treatments - NHS Inform Scotland