To think branded toothpaste is not superior -any dentists able to confirm?

[EachPeachPearNectarine]

I have sensitive teeth, have done for years. I was chatting about this to my dentist at my appointment yesterday, and she asked what toothpaste I used. I told her I used the Superdrug sensitive one at the moment.

She told me only actual Sensodyne is any good. I thought the ingredients were all the same so it would make it difference branded or not? Is she just paid by Sensodyne to say this?

AIBU to think that own brand sensitive toothpaste is just as good? I've used both over the years and haven't noticed any differences but obviously I'm not a dentist!

Check the ingredients list. Not all toothpastes are the same. E.g. sodium monofluorophospate is useless compared to sodium fluoride.

I’ve always found non branded toothpaste doesn’t taste as minty so I don’t like it.

Obviously they won’t all be the same though, you need to check the ingredients.

I was recommended to use colgate pro-relief by my dentist, which I did and it helped. That stopped being sold, so I tried sensodyne. Honestly, it's so much better than the Colgate one was. I've never had an issue since using sensodyne, whereas I can't say the same about the Colgate one.

I haven't tried the superdrug one, but I know good they aren't all the same.

DH works in healthcare product development. The biggest companies have the research budget to develop and test the most innovative and effective things. Your dentist may be correct.
There is data out there somewhere comparing the two, not sure if it would be in the public domain though.

I was told to use sensodyne three years ago and I’ve never used anything else since. It’s definitely the best one for sensitive teeth. Mine are so much better now.

I would say a lot of the sensodyne and Colgate brands probably make the toothpaste for supermarkets and such. Just like other items. I would check the ingredients list, and go from there.

I notice a difference when I use different brands - they're definitely not all the same.

I don't know about toothpaste, but Super drug have an own brand mouthwash with the same active ingredient as Corsodyl which is considerably cheaper.

I’ve tried several own brand sensitive plus the Arm and Hammer one. My teeth always start to be sensitive again about half way through the second tube for some reason. I don’t like the flavour of sensodyne and it makes my tongue sore so I stick with Colgate.
Which go reviews occasionally.

Probably. But that doesn't mean they are the same product.

I have it on good authority (by a Tesco manager) that Walkers make Tesco crisps - but Walkers use the freshest oil, a thicker cut and specific potatoes. Tesco ones are not the same.

Sensodyne made my teeth more sensitive! It hurt so much I couldn’t use it. I generally buy whichever Colgate is on offer, and they’re all pretty much the same, as far as I can tell. Although I irrationally prefer the white ones to the bright blue.

I doubt she is being paid by Sensodyne to push their products. If she is that would be unethical.
I don't know if they are all the same. But I would check the ingredient list to see what is in each one.

I've used Tesco own-brand Sensitive toothpaste for many years. I've had no resulting problems and no complaints, personal or from the Dentist. The ones I have had have been the result of old dental sins.

The name brands might have higher concentrations of active ingredients. However on the whole off brands are almost just the same! Many are made in the same factory but put into different packaging.

Side note look into japanese toothpaste, it actually helps rebuild enamel. Apaguard is a good one as well as Boka which isn't japanese but same ingredients.

I just googled this 😆 I have used Sensodyne for years (after dentist recommendation). From what I've seen online it is found to be better than own brand versions but obviously I have no scientific evidence for this.

Use what works for you 😊

Products are often made in the same factory, but they’re not the same product in different packaging! The quality and quantities of ingredients varies.

I don’t like the toast is sensodyne but I use it as it works best for me.

I would prefer to buy a good quality toothpaste ,and mouthwash personally.Own brands are fine for some things but they are not all the same no.I think long run its probably cheaper to buy better toothpaste than pay out at the Dentist!

I’ve tried different brands over the years, Sensodyne is the only one that works for my sensitive teeth.

Sensodyne makes my teeth even more sensitive but Colgate Sensitive Instant Relief really helps (and was recommended by my dentist).

I've had lots of problems with toothpastes and tried all sorts. I've ended up with Colgate PerioGuard which has now been discontinued. Sensodyne burns my mouth.
When it comes to Mouth wash the Oral Surgeon told me to buy the cheap stuff from Aldi or Lidl, that's what he uses and says it's just as good
Once I run out of the Colgate one I'm back on the hunt for something that works.
If the Superdrug one works for you, use it. So long as toothpaste has fluoride in I was told to use it by the surgeon.

Yeah this. People seem to conflate that the factory makes the two products to mean that it's the same product rebranded. That's not the case, usually.

It's the same with cereal - it's the "offcuts" from the fancy cereal, the bits that don't quite meet the standard, and the process is often slightly different, eg smaller rice krispies; crispier/thinner cornflakes.

Yes, but the biggest companies also have sales departments who understand market segmentation and penetration. They understand that they want the £1 from slightly-skint Sarah AND the £4 from brands-are-best Betty.

Which is why you get factories churning out identical products in different packaging for different prices.

I have no idea how it plays out in the toothpaste market, but it's the norm in product development.

I see it as being no different to vets recommending certain brands of pet foods which, when you research them, aren't better than other brands. I do find some toothpastes better than others, but that's more how my mouth feels afterwards. Some toothpastes make the inside of my mouth peel off. We currently use Colgate total

They may not be being paid to push their products, but all dentists will regularly be visited by salespeople from the different companies, with very convincing arguments as to why their products are superior.

Next time you go to the dentist, I bet there will be glass cabinet in reception featuring a load of products that they're endorsing. And I'd also bet that they're all from one manufacturer.

The key thing with toothpaste for 'normal' benefits, i.e. 'just' cleaning, is the fluoride content. You need to look for 1450 ppm. Most supermarket brands will contain this amount (I know that Aldi and Lidl's toothpastes do.)

Beyond that, if you're looking for a specific benefit, like sensitivity, that really will be down to the R&D/innovation of a particular company. Sensodyne trade on this benefit, so it makes sense that they invest particularly here.

Colgate have tried, over the years, to own specific benefits, including sensitivity and whitening. With varying degrees of success. But they plough lots of money into these areas, as they can charge a premium for benefit-led products.

(Disclaimer: I don't work for any retailer or toothpaste manufacturing company!)