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What kinds of Aquafresh® are available?
Presently, Aquafresh® Toothpaste is available in the following formulations:
- Aquafresh® Cavity Protection
- Aquafresh® Extra Fresh
- Aquafresh® Extra Fresh Whitening
- Aquafresh® Tartar Control Whitening
- Aquafresh® Sensitive Maximum Strength
- Aquafresh® Extreme Clean® Original Plus Whitening
- Aquafresh® Extreme Clean® Empowermint Plus Whitening
- Aquafresh® Extreme Clean® Whitening Mint Experience
- Aquafresh® Extreme Clean® Arctic Cool Plus Whitening
- Aquafresh® Ultimate White
- Aquafresh® White & Shine
- Aquafresh® Kids
- Aquafresh® Dr. Seuss®
Why do you use sodium saccharin in Aquafresh® toothpaste?
Use of sodium saccharin is common in all major brands of toothpaste to make the products more palatable. Without the use of such a sweetener, toothpaste would not be appealing enough taste-wise and could result in the avoidance of brushing one's teeth and the benefits of brushing. The formulations of Aquafresh® are accepted by the FDA, and have been tested by consumers.
Do Aquafresh® tubes contain latex?
No, Aquafresh® tubes do not contain latex or substances associated with latex.
Does Aquafresh® Toothpaste contain animal by-products or derivatives?
Aquafresh® Cavity Protection in the squeeze tube is the only Aquafresh® product that does not contain animal by-products.
What packaging materials come into contact with the toothpaste?
The tube materials that come into contact with Aquafresh® toothpaste are low density polyethylene (LDP) and ethylene-acrylic acid.
Does Aquafresh® Toothpaste contain diatoms (unicellular algae generally placed in the family Bacillariophyceae)?
No, there are no diatoms in any of the Aquafresh® formulations.
What flavors are used in Aquafresh®?
All Aquafresh® products, except Tartar Control, Kids, and the Extreme Clean Line, are flavored with a combination of peppermint and spearmint. Aquafresh-ALL® with Tartar Control is a cinnamon flavor (combination of cinnamon and spearmint) and Aquafresh® Kids and Aquafresh® Dr. Seuss® are bubblemint. The flavor of Original Extreme Clean is Lemon Lime Blast. The Extreme Clean Empowermint and Extreme Clean Whitening both have an icy cool mint flavor.
Why shouldn't Aquafresh® Toothpaste be swallowed?
No toothpaste product is formulated for intentional swallowing. Although toothpaste products are formulated to be pleasant tasting, they are not confectionery items.
In early 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required fluoride toothpaste manufacturers to place a specific warning on toothpaste packages. The purpose of this warning* is to convey the message that if large amounts of fluoride are swallowed, they can be harmful or fatal. It is important to keep in mind that the amount of fluoride contained in toothpaste will not cause harm if an average amount is used and if the toothpaste is not swallowed. (An average amount would be the amount used to cover bristles, or less). It is also important to remember that fluoride is critical in the maintenance of healthy teeth, and is recommended by doctors and dentists for use in the form of toothpastes, fluoridated water and fluoride drops.
*Current as of early 1997: "Warnings: If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately."
Is the active ingredient different in the gel portion of the toothpaste than the paste portion?
The active ingredient in all of the toothpastes is fluoride (also potassium nitrate in Sensitive Maximum Strength) and is evenly distributed throughout the toothpaste, including gel.
I read on the internet that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is used in Aquafresh® toothpaste, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are unsafe. Is it true?
Per the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA), the internet-spread rumors about SLS and SLES are false and unsubstantiated. Internet rumors are notorious for inaccurate and false information. There is no evidence of harm from the use of either SLS or SLES as used in cosmetic products. Both ingredients were reviewed in 1983 by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and found to be safe. Complete reports on both ingredients are available from CIR at the following address: 1101 17th Street NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036 or http://www.cir-safety.org/staff_files/alerts.pdf
How many uses are in each Aquafresh® tube or pump?
Using 1 to 1.2 grams of toothpaste on the brush (numbers are approximate):
| PUMPS:
|
4.3 oz |
90 brushings |
| |
4.6 oz |
110 brushings |
| |
6.0 oz |
140 brushings |
| |
6.4 oz |
160 brushings |
| TUBES: |
1.4 oz |
37 brushings |
| |
2.7 oz |
73 brushings |
| |
4.3 oz |
100 brushings |
| |
4.6 oz |
121 brushings |
| |
6.0 oz |
150 brushings |
| |
6.4 oz |
170 brushings |
| |
7.6 oz |
200 brushings |
| |
8.2 oz |
220 brushings |
What is the pH of the Aquafresh® products?
Aquafresh® toothpaste generally has to be in the pH range of 6.0 - 9.5 throughout its shelf life.
Are any of the Aquafresh® products derived from sandstone or limestone?
Aquafresh® toothpaste is not derived from sandstone. All of the base Aquafresh® products (the ones that contain sodium monofluoride phosphate) use purified calcium carbonate as an abrasive. Calcium carbonate is indeed limestone (or chalk). We've found that this natural abrasive is an excellent tooth cleaning agent which is significantly less hard than tooth enamel so it minimizes abrasion.
How much fluoride is in Aquafresh® Toothpaste?
0.15% weight/volume (w/v) of fluoride ion from sodium monofluorophosphate in Aquafresh® Cavity Protection, Baking Soda, Extra Fresh and Kids.
0.15% weight/volume (w/v) of fluoride ion from sodium fluoride in Aquafresh® Sensitive Maximum Strength, all Whitening products, and Tartar Control.
Is the fluoride in Aquafresh® a waste product of aluminum?
Aquafresh® contains pure salts of fluoride (either sodium monofluorophosphate or sodium fluoride). Neither one is a waste product of aluminum. We do not use stannous fluoride, which is sourced from bauxite.
Does Aquafresh® carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal?
Yes, currently most Aquafresh® products carry the ADA seal.
The ADA seal appears on the following packages: Fluoride Protection, Aquafresh-ALL® with Tartar Control, Kids, and Whitening Tartar Protection.
Why was sodium bicarbonate added to Aquafresh® Extra Fresh and Kids (1999)?
The addition of sodium bicarbonate was an enhancement to the formulation to improve the overall viscosity (thickness) of the toothpaste and the appearance of the stripes.
Can adults use Aquafresh® Kids and Aquafresh® Dr. Seuss® Toothpaste?
Aquafresh® Kids and Aquafresh® Dr. Seuss® toothpastes are very similar to Aquafresh® Cavity Protection toothpaste and Aquafresh® Extra Fresh toothpaste. The main difference across these types of Aquafresh® is that Aquafresh® Kids and Aquafresh® Dr. Seuss®toothpastes have a children-preferred sugarless bubblegum flavor and the other two types of Aquafresh® are mint flavored. Each of the Aquafresh® Toothpaste products are equally effective at fighting cavities and are gentle enough for adults and children to use.
How does Aquafresh® Sensitive Maximum Strength Toothpaste help sensitive teeth?
Teeth become sensitive when the gumline recedes and exposes tiny, microscopic holes in the unprotected tooth surface which lead directly to nerves inside the tooth. Aquafresh® Sensitive Maximum Strength helps treat sensitive teeth pain in two ways:
-Soothes the irritated nerve.
-Seals off the holes that lead to the nerves.
Aquafresh® Sensitive Maximum Strength reduces hypersensitivity by:
-Blocking exposed dentin tubules (with the help of silica, gum and other insoluble ingredients), thus reducing the movement of dentinal fluid which is believed to be responsible for stimuli transmission across dentin
-Deactivation of the pulpas sensory nerve resulting from increased potassium ion concentration in the pulpal area.
Why does Aquafresh® Sensitive Maximum Strength toothpaste warn against using longer than 4 weeks?
The FDA requires warning on the labels of all sensitive teeth toothpastes. It is meant to advise consumers that if brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste does not eliminate the pain, then what they believe is a sensitive tooth may actually be something that needs to be treated by a dentist (i.e., faulty restoration, cracked tooth or infected pulp).
Why is this not intended for children under the age of 12?
The use of desensitizing toothpastes by children is contraindicated by FDA regulation.
Can a person use Aquafresh® Sensitive if they do not have sensitive teeth?
Aquafresh® Sensitive contains fluoride and a great Aquafresh® taste, and can be used instead of your current toothpaste. Follow package directions.
Why isn't there an expiration date on the Aquafresh® Tartar Control tube?
All OTC products must be tested to show that their ingredients are still effective after a certain period of time. AF Tartar Control has a particular formula that exceeds the 3 year standard, so an expiration date is not required.
What flavor is Aquafresh® Tartar Control toothpaste?
The cinnamon flavor is a combination of cinnamon and spearmint flavors.
Are the ingredients evenly distributed throughout the Aquafresh® toothpaste, or do the different stripes contain specific ingredients?
The active ingredients in Aquafresh® toothpaste are equally dispersed throughout both the paste and the gel. The individual colors or stripes are symbolic of Triple Protection. The package says, "New Improved Formula". What did you change?
In early 1996, all Cavity Protection Aquafresh® cartons and tubes were marked "New Improved Formula." The improvement was the texture and consistency. It now stays firmer on the brush.
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 products. Aquafresh® Extreme Clean Whitening has a high-cleaning silica, specially designed to polish away stains without excessive abrasion.
Can Aquafresh® Whitening products be used on dentures and caps?
Yes, Aquafresh® Whitening products are safe for use on dentures and caps.
Why is Triclene not listed as an active ingredient on Aquafresh® Whitening products?
Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ingredients can only be listed as "active" ingredients if they make a drug claim. For example, fluoride can be listed as an active ingredient in fluoride toothpastes because it prevents cavities. Whitening teeth is a cosmetic claim and therefore, Triclene® is listed as an "inactive" ingredient.
Are the Aquafresh® Whitening products approved by the ADA?
Aquafresh® Whitening products were approved by the ADA in June 2000.
How long will it take to see the effects of Aquafresh® Whitening products?
You will start to notice a difference after you have used about one tube of Aquafresh Whitening products (per person, used as directed). It is important to remember that everyone's teeth are different and that some people will see results more quickly and dramatically than others. Individuals who have higher levels of staining will generally see results more quickly.
How is Aquafresh® Extra Fresh Whitening different from other Aquafresh Whitening products?
Aquafresh® Extra Fresh Whitening provides an additional consumer benefit ® it's a proprietary formulation that not only whitens teeth, but kills germs even in places your brush can't reach and gives you fresh breath that lasts.
Why are the ingredients the same on all of the Whitening variants? What is the difference?
In packaging labeling statements, the FDA does not require an explanation of the chemical composition of the flavor system. Thus, there is no apparent difference on the inactive ingredient list of the different Whitening products. A compound in the flavoring system (proprietary) of Aquafresh® Extra Fresh Whitening provides its benefit. Clinical studies demonstrated that Aquafresh® Multi-Action Whitening is more therapeutic than the Tartar Control Whitening. It removes stains, reduces tartar, and prevents new stains from coming back.
How does Aquafresh® Extra Fresh Whitening kill germs?
The combination of ingredients in Aquafresh® Extra Fresh Whitening has been proven to kill germs by disrupting their bacterial membranes. GlaxoSmithKline Research Labs have tested Aquafresh® Extra Fresh Whitening against a number of various common oral microorganisms, including but not limited to, those that cause bad breath, and have proven it to be highly effective.
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