DENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

How does fluoride work to protect my teeth from cavities?

Fluoride helps to fight cavities through a process called remineralization. A cavity usually starts as a very small weak spot in the enamel of a tooth. After continual bombardment by acid and bacteria, this weak spot can become a fully developed cavity. Acids play a major role in the cavity's process because they remove minerals (namely calcium and phosphorous) from the tooth, making it more susceptible to decay. This process is called demineralization. Fluoride counteracts this effect and actually helps to reverse demineralization by fostering the return of lost minerals to the demineralized site. This positive process of returning minerals to the mineral-starved site is defined as remineralization. Aquafresh® also fights cavities by helping to reduce the production of acids by physically removing the bacteria which are the source of acids that can actually cause teeth to demineralize. Additionally, Aquafresh® adds fluoride to the tooth's crystal lattice, making it more resistant to acid attack. In other words, Aquafresh® actually strengthens the tooth's outside protective enamel surface.

What are plaque, tartar and gingivitis?

Plaque is a gummy mass of microorganisms that grow on the crowns and spreads along the roots of teeth and is both colorless and transparent. Dental plaques are the forerunners of dental caries and periodontal disease. Tartar is hardened plaque deposited upon the teeth. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling and tendency to bleed.

Is it safe to use fluoride toothpaste even if my water supply is fluoridated?

Major professional dental associations, including the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the British Dental Association (BDA), recommend that people of all ages use fluoride toothpaste twice daily, even if they live in an area with a fluoridated water supply. (Oral Care Issues Management Resource, July 2003) The recently issued Cochrane report reviewed 56 clinical studies covering more that 42,000 participants. The results show that the use of a fluoride-containing toothpaste provides a significant benefit (about 25% fewer cavities) even in areas where the water is fluoridated. Reference: Marinho, VCC, Higgins, JPT, Sheiham, A., Logan, S.; Fluoride toothpastes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents, (Cochrane Review) in: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2003, Oxford.

ABOUT AQUAFRESH IN GENERAL

What are the various kinds of Aquafresh® ?

Aquafresh® White & Shine Original, Aquafresh® White & Shine Berry Fresh, Aquafresh® Ultimate White, Aquafresh® Sensitive, Aquafresh® KidzMint, Aquafresh® Kids Pump, Aquafresh® White Trays™

Where is the expiration date on Aquafresh® tubes?

The expiration date is stamped on the crimp of the tube and the flap of the carton.

Is Aquafresh® available in other countries?

GSK markets Aquafresh® in North and South America, Europe, East and South Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. As with many of our products around the world, we often adapt our product formulation to meet local regulatory requirements and consumer needs and preferences. Therefore, the Aquafresh® that you find when you travel to other countries may be slightly different from the product that is found in Canada.

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF AQUAFRESH

Can adults use Aquafresh® Kids Toothpaste?

Aquafresh® Kids has a children-preferred sugarless bubblegum flavours. All of the Aquafresh® Toothpaste products are equally effective at fighting cavities and are gentle enough for adults and children to use (follow label instructions).

How does Aquafresh® Sensitive Toothpaste help sensitive teeth?

There are many causes for tooth sensitivity, one of which is receding gums. The primary causes of receding gums may include age, vigorous brushing with a firm bristle toothbrush, periodontal disease, and simply bad oral hygiene. Often, when the gumline recedes, unprotected dentin is exposed; this contains tiny, microscopic holes that lead directly to the nerve inside the tooth. Teeth may become sensitive when this exposed dentin is subjected to hot, cold, sweet or sour foods, as well as to touch. Aquafresh Sensitive helps to treat sensitive tooth pain in two ways: by soothing the irritated nerve and sealing off the holes that lead to the nerve.

How do the Aquafresh® Whitening products whiten your teeth?

Aquafresh® Whitening toothpaste products contains ingredients that work as a gentle cleanser that whitens teeth by helping to break up and remove stains without bleach, peroxide, or harsh abrasives. Results should be visible after using one full-sized tube of one of the Aquafresh® Whitening toothpaste. Aquafresh® Extreme Clean PowerWhite has a high-cleaning silica, specially designed to polish away stains without excessive abrasion.

Please contact us if you have any additional questions.

For additional information on tooth care and Aquafresh^® please visit www.dental-professional.ca.