Quick question about toothpaste- extra strong fluoride stuff

[sphil]

I've posted this in Health but would also like the SN perspective. DS2 has thin enamel on his teeth and has just been prescribed Duraphat 5000 - an extra strong fluoride toothpaste. It says on the label that it's not to be used in under 16s! Added to that is the fact that he swallows rather than spitting, not to mention my concerns about fluoride anyway.

But I also don't want him to have rotten teeth!

Will ring dentist on Monday to check - but any musings before then would be much appreciated.

what age is your son?

oh god, sympathy.

I'd be in a total headspin over that.

I have the same issues with you re:flouride etc, and the dds use a toothpaste that has no nasties in at ll.

are you a member at AiA? you could try asking on the boards over there what they use in cases of weak/poor enamel?

I dread the day that dd1's dentist tells me we need to use "proper" (ie flouride) toothpaste.

I owuld be concerned about giving something that strong to a small child, especially one with additive/absorption issues. what strength is it? is it 5000ppm? that quite a bit stronger than normal toothpaste if it si, and I'd be worried about that level of flouride anyway, tbh.

Yes it's 5000ppm. MumofThree - he's 7.

My DSis has Downs and has poor enamel and still has some milk teeth and she uses a normal toothpaste and Gel-Kam gel after brushing and rinsing to 'wipe' over her teeth.

I am not a dentist but work for one, and as far as I know it can be used in children in certain circumstances, ie where there is a very high decay risk.

Of course you should check anyway!

I am not a dentist but work for one, and as far as I know it can be used in children in certain circumstances, ie where there is a very high decay risk.

Of course you should check anyway!

oops, dunno what happened there.