Duraphat

Duraphat is available as a toothpaste with a concentration of 1.1% sodium fluoride (5 mg fluoride per gram of toothpaste), packaged in 51 g tubes. 

This toothpaste is intended exclusively for use in the prevention of dental caries in patients over 16 years of age.

Duraphat toothpaste is mainly indicated for the prevention of dental caries, especially in patients at increased risk of developing such conditions. 

It may also be recommended by dentists for patients with poor oral hygiene or who have risk factors that favor the development of dental caries, such as a diet high in sugars, excessive consumption of carbonated drinks, or a family history of dental problems.

Duraphat fluoride is used 3 times a day, after each main meal, to clean the teeth. The recommended amount of toothpaste for brushing is approximately 2 cm on the toothbrush. 

After brushing, the patient should avoid swallowing the toothpaste and rinse off any excess foam. It is recommended that teeth be cleaned for approximately 3 minutes.

Duraphat should not be used by patients who are hypersensitive to sodium fluoride or any of the auxiliary ingredients in the toothpaste. 

This product is also not recommended for children under 16 years of age due to its high fluoride concentration. 

Excessive use of this medicine may lead to serious side effects.

It is essential that the patient avoids the additional use of fluoride-containing products during treatment with Duraphat. Fluoridated water or salt should also be avoided to prevent excessive fluoride accumulation in the body.

Before starting treatment with Duraphat, it is important for the dentist to assess the total amount of fluoride consumed by the patient to prevent chronic toxicity.

Like any medication, Duraphat can cause side effects, although these are not experienced by all patients. 

In rare cases, allergic reactions have been reported, including skin rashes, itching, swelling, and redness. Other side effects that may occur include burning sensations in the mouth, although these symptoms are less common. 

If such reactions occur, the patient should discontinue use of the product and consult their doctor.

There are no known significant interactions between Duraphat and other drugs. However, it is important for the patient to inform their doctor or dentist about all the drugs they are taking to avoid possible interactions or adverse effects. 

While using Duraphat, it is recommended to avoid eating or drinking immediately after brushing, as this may inhibit the remineralization process of the tooth enamel.

In case of accidental ingestion of a significant amount of Duraphat toothpaste, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may occur. In such cases, the patient should contact their doctor immediately.

Also, ingesting an excess of Duraphat toothpaste can lead to dental fluorosis or bone fluorosis, manifested by spots or discoloration on the tooth enamel or increased bone density.

Duraphat should be stored in a dry and cool place, at temperatures below 25°C. It is essential to keep it out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. It should also not be used after the expiry date indicated on the packaging.

• PubMed, Toothpastes with different concentrations of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries
• Cleveland Clinic, Sodium fluoride toothpaste
• Mayo Clinic, Sodium fluoride
• PubMed, Awareness of the benefits and risks of using fluoride toothpaste among physicians: A population-based study