Toothpaste

[WeAreBongo]

Are these new COMPLETE toothpastes such a Colgate Complete any better their bog-standard equivalent? The only different seems to be a slightly higher ppm of floride.

[Techy123]

Toothpaste manufacturers will say almost anything (legal) to convince you that their toothpaste is bettr than their competitors. The most inportant consideration is the amount of fluoride in the toothpast. An opyimum level of fluoride can reduce tooth decay by up to 50%. So how much is the optimum?
How much fluoride is there in toothpaste?

The maximum amount of fluoride allowed in toothpaste, by UK and EC law, for use as an oral hygiene product before it is classified as a medicine, is 0.15% (calculated as fluorine) . This is equivalent to 1,500 parts per million fluoride (ppmF). The main fluorides found in toothpaste are sodium fluoride, sodium mono-fluorophosphate and stannous fluoride. Many toothpaste packs express fluoride content as a percentage of the active fluoride salt. The amount of fluoride found in over-the-counter adult toothpaste ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 ppm. Generally everybody can use the higher levels PROVIDED you ensure that you spit out the toothpaste, and do not rinse after brushing. If children can not be trusted to do this every time use a lower level of Fluoride toothpaste. Oh, and be sure to apply the fluoride toothpaste twice each day with a small headed toothbrush. Also, beware frequent eating or drinking of suggary or acidic snacks or foods outside meal times.

Tooth decay is a totally preventable disease - it's up to you though!