Colgate Duraphat Toothpaste

What is Duraphat Toothpaste?

Active Ingredient: Sodium Fluoride.

Drug Class: Caries Preventing Agent.

Duraphat Toothpaste is a topical fluoride treatment with a high concentration of fluoride, delivered as sodium fluoride. Its primary mechanism of action is to enhance the remineralisation of early carious lesions and strengthen tooth enamel against acid dissolution.

Mechanism of Action

Patient-Friendly Analogy: Think of your tooth enamel as a wall that gets chipped and weakened by acid attacks from plaque and sugar. Fluoride in Duraphat acts like a super-powered repair crew and a protective sealant combined. It helps pull minerals like calcium and phosphate back into the weakened areas (remineralisation), making the "wall" stronger than it was before. The high fluoride concentration in Duraphat provides a much more potent repair and protective effect than standard toothpaste.

Biological Pathway

When fluoride ions are present in the saliva during and after brushing, they incorporate into the hydroxyapatite crystal structure of the enamel, forming a more acid-resistant compound called fluorapatite. This process inhibits demineralisation when the tooth is exposed to acid and promotes remineralisation of early decay spots.

What is Duraphat Toothpaste Used For?

Duraphat Toothpaste is indicated for the prevention of dental caries (tooth decay) in:

• Adolescents aged 16 years and over.
• Adults.

High-Risk Patient Groups

It is particularly beneficial for patients at risk from multiple caries. This includes individuals with:

• A history of frequent cavities
• Dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by medication or medical conditions
• Orthodontic appliances (braces)
• Exposed root surfaces due to gum recession
• Poor dietary habits high in sugary foods and drinks

Before Using Duraphat Toothpaste

Before starting treatment with Duraphat, a dental professional should assess your oral health status and caries risk. Discuss your medical history, especially regarding:

Essential Considerations

• Allergies: To sodium fluoride or any other ingredients
• Total Fluoride Intake: Your dentist must evaluate your exposure to other fluoride sources, including:
  • Fluoridated water or salt
  • Fluoride tablets, drops, or chewing gum
  • Other fluoride-containing gels or varnishes

Using Duraphat concurrently with other fluoride sources can lead to accumulation and potential side effects like dental or skeletal fluorosis.

Duraphat Contraindications

Do not use Duraphat Toothpaste if you:

Absolute Contraindications

• Are allergic to sodium fluoride or any of the other ingredients
• Are under 16 years of age. This product is not formulated or tested for use in children

Risk Stratification

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients

• No specific dosage adjustment is needed
• Consider manual dexterity for effective brushing

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

• No specific studies exist
• As fluoride is excreted renally, severe renal impairment may warrant caution and monitoring of total fluoride intake

Pediatric/Adolescent

• Contraindicated in children and adolescents under 16 years of age

Duraphat and Other Medicines

No interactions with other systemically administered medicines are known. As Duraphat is for topical use and systemic absorption is minimal, the risk of pharmacological interactions is very low.

However, you should inform your dentist or doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal remedies.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

There is limited experience with the use of Duraphat in pregnant or breast-feeding women.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you must seek advice from your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist before using this medicine. The benefits and potential risks need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Driving & Machine Operation

Duraphat Toothpaste has no known influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Duraphat Ingredients

Active Substance

• Fluoride (as Sodium Fluoride). 1 g of toothpaste contains 5 mg Fluoride, corresponding to 5000ppm

Other Ingredients (Excipients)

Allergen Warning

This product contains a flavouring with limonene, linalool, citral, geraniol, and citronellol, which may cause allergic reactions. It also contains menthol, which in excessive amounts can cause convulsions.

How to Use Duraphat

Duraphat is for topical use only. Brush your teeth with it; do not swallow it.

Duraphat Dosage Guidelines

For adolescents aged 16 and over and adults:

Standard Dosage

• Frequency: Use 3 times per day (after each meal)
• Amount: Apply a 2 cm ribbon of toothpaste onto a dry toothbrush for each brushing. This provides between 3 mg and 5 mg of fluoride

This is a fixed dose. Do not use more than the recommended amount.

Administration Instructions

For optimal results, follow these steps:

Brushing Protocol

1. Apply a 2 cm ribbon of Duraphat to a dry toothbrush
2. Brush your teeth thoroughly for approximately 3 minutes after each meal
3. Use a proper brushing technique, directing the brush vertically from the gum to the tip of the tooth
4. Spit out the excess foam. Do not swallow
5. Do not rinse your mouth with water immediately after brushing, as this washes away the concentrated fluoride. Simply spit out the excess

Missed Dose Management

If you forget to brush with Duraphat, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next brushing, skip the missed dose.

Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten brushing. Continue with your regular schedule after the next meal.

Overdose Information

Acute Overdose (Swallowing a large amount by mistake)

• Symptoms: Digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Due to the menthol content, excessive accidental ingestion may cause convulsions, particularly in infants and children
• Action: If a large amount is swallowed and symptoms occur, tell a doctor immediately as treatment may be required

Chronic Overdose (Constantly swallowing too much over months/years)

• Symptoms:
  • Dental Fluorosis: A stained or speckled appearance of the dental enamel and increased enamel fragility. This occurs during tooth development in children
  • Skeletal Fluorosis (Osteosclerosis): Increased bone density, which can make bones more brittle

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Duraphat can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, which may include:
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Swelling (e.g., of the face, lips, tongue)
  • Redness of the skin

Reporting of Side Effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or dentist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the UK's Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

How to Store Duraphat

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month
• Do not store above 25°C
• If the toothpaste appears discoloured or shows any other signs of deterioration, seek the advice of your pharmacist

Pack Information

Product Description

• What Duraphat looks like: Duraphat Toothpaste is a blue coloured paste with a characteristic mint smell and taste
• Pack size: It is supplied in a 51g tube enclosed in an outer carton

Regulatory Information

• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Colgate-Palmolive (UK) Ltd
• Product Licence Number: PL 46420/0173

Where Can I Buy Duraphat Toothpaste Online in the UK