Colgate Neutrafluor 5000 is a prescription-strength toothpaste. As the name says, it contains about 5,000 ppm fluoride. Regular adult toothpaste has 1,000 to 1,450 ppm, and children's toothpaste has about 400 to 550 ppm.
How it's sold in Australia
- Neutrafluor 5000 Plus and Neutrafluor 5000 Sensitive are on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (Aust R 67437 for the Plus).
- Both are Schedule 3, Pharmacist Only Medicines. You can buy them without a script, but only after speaking with a pharmacist.
- Don't confuse them with plain "Neutrafluor" products, which are a lower schedule.
- The Sensitive version adds potassium nitrate (50 mg/g) for sensitive teeth alongside 11.05 mg/g sodium fluoride.
Who it's for
The consumer medicine information says Neutrafluor 5000 Plus is for people at high risk of tooth decay and should only be used on a dentist's or doctor's recommendation. Common reasons include dry mouth (from medication, cancer treatment or Sjogren's), exposed root surfaces, heavy fillings or orthodontic work.
Precautions on the label
- Children: leaflets differ. The Australian Plus leaflet says not for children under 6 unless a dentist or doctor recommends it. New Zealand's version says under 10. Ask a dentist before giving it to a child.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: the leaflet advises discussing use with your dentist or doctor first.
- Don't swallow it. Use a thin ribbon, brush for two minutes, spit, and don't rinse. If a large amount is swallowed, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
- People with a fluoride allergy shouldn't use it.
What if you're avoiding fluoride?
If you want to cut fluoride but have high decay risk, talk to your dentist about options such as hydroxyapatite toothpaste, diet changes and more frequent check-ups. If you live somewhere with fluoridated water, remember that's another daily source. Check your town.