Dentist has prescribed Duraphat - not comfortable using it.

sarah_25

I haven't been to the dentist for over 20 years due to anxiety. I plucked up the courage to go and she's given me Duraphat 5000. I really don't like using it, In my area the water company add fluoride to the water (June 2025 result was 0.859mg/L). I only drink tap water and two cups of black coffee a day. I'm worried I am exposing myself to too much fluoride (I'm 47, 5'7 and weigh under 8st). The leaflet states not to use with fluoridated water. My teeth aren't great, I have loads of fillings and I think she said I had early stage tooth decay (I tend to switch off, not intentionally but due to my anxiety I sort of done out) she just gave me the toothpaste said I didn't need to see her for a year (and to see the hygienist). I was convinced I'd need loads of fillings or extractions. I'm wondering if I've managed to get to this age without Duraphat do I really need it. I'm teetotal, don't smoke, could I not address the problem by altering my diet? I'd appreciate any advice, thanks

MattMattMattUK

sarah_25 said:

I haven't been to the dentist for over 20 years due to anxiety. I plucked up the courage to go and she's given me Duraphat 5000. I really don't like using it, In my area the water company add fluoride to the water (June 2025 result was 0.859mg/L). I only drink tap water and two cups of black coffee a day. I'm worried I am exposing myself to too much fluoride (I'm 47, 5'7 and weigh under 8st). The leaflet states not to use with fluoridated water. My teeth aren't great, I have loads of fillings and I think she said I had early stage tooth decay (I tend to switch off, not intentionally but due to my anxiety I sort of done out) she just gave me the toothpaste said I didn't need to see her for a year (and to see the hygienist). I was convinced I'd need loads of fillings or extractions. I'm wondering if I've managed to get to this age without Duraphat do I really need it. I'm teetotal, don't smoke, could I not address the problem by altering my diet? I'd appreciate any advice, thanks

The dentist is probably trying to stabilise your teeth a bit. It will not do you any harm, perfectly fine to use and will help your teeth, it can significantly slow down the deterioration of teeth, it can stop tooth decay in it's tracks in the early stages.

You will also need a hygienist appointment, or several depending on how much cleaning needs to be done but that will also expose any other issues and also allows your gums to recover, the hygienist can refer you back to the dentist if they find anything whilst cleaning. Unless you have pain or extreme sensitivity then you might not need anything doing though, if one looks after one's teeth it is not unusual to not need fillings for many decades of life, I am in my forties and have never had one and I know many people in the same position. I bruch at least twice a day, I floss and I see the hygienist twice a year. 

No you cannot fix it with diet, the point of the toothpaste is that it goes directly on your teeth where it is needed, it helps them recover.

Toothsmith

There aren't that many areas of the UK that have fluoride added to the water - only 10% of UK population live in fluoridated areas - but the level you quote is around the 1ppm dilution of fluoridated water - so as long as you're sure this is the actual level where your water supply is - then you should possibly question why you were put on it? 

Did you travel quite a distance to the dentist appointment? If the dental practice was also in the fluoridated area, I'm wondering why you were put on it without some discussion as to why they felt it was appropriate for you. Using a small pea sized amount on your brush, and spitting it out at the end is not really going to put you anywhere near 'overdose' levels - but it is important that you understand why you've been recommended it and important that the dentist knew you live in a fluoridated area. 

Maybe have a word with the hygienist when you go for that appointment and she can either advise you or recommend you see the dentist again to clarify things?

If you are easily flustered in a dental chair - then it's not a bad idea to think of your questions beforehand and write them down - then also write down the answers or any notes on anything said. If your up front and ask - then the dentist may well not mind you recording the conversation on your phone if it helps.

luvchocolate

I've been using this toothpaste on pescription for over 10 years....don't swallow just spit out. 
If the price of it is anything to go by it should be gold