written 11/2017
After watching commercials touting the “reduction in bleeding gums” this toothpaste promises, we got some samples at work so I thought I’d give it a try before recommending it to people or to answer questions patients might have.
So, first off, the active, “magic” ingredient here is stannous fluoride. All dental professionals know the efficacy of stannous fluoride in remineralizing tooth structure. However, we’re also all well aware of the unfortunate downside: extrinsic staining. I assume that GSK is claiming gum bleeding reduction because fluoride has some antibacterial properties. Their answer to the staining problem comes from the ingredient: pentasodium phosphate. It’s supposed to noy only reverse the staining effect of stannous fluoride but make your teeth even whiter than before using Paradontax.
Ok, so I try this. The first thing that struck me was the overwhelming minty taste that set my mouth to feeling like it was burning and stayed with me for over 3-4 hours afterwards. Let me say here that I have a VERY poor tolerance to spices and spicy/hot foods. Other than that, it was a toothpaste. 3 days later, I found my tissues sloughing off, common when I use powerful tasting toothpastes. Well, one monyh has passed and I have taken pictures of my teeth every Monday after the morning toothbrushing routine. Same light, same bathroom, same phone camera. The only thing I switched up was what kind of toothbrush I used (I have 3 that I alternate amongst).
Aaaand here are the pictures!
I’m thinking maybe there is a slight increase in brightness or whiteness of my teeth between the 1st and 2nd Mondays but after that, nothing overly distinct. My tissues didn’t bleed often to begin with so I can’t attest to any of that, though if you look at the pictures you might be able to argue that the papillae seem less puffy towards the second half. Some of that could just be lighting, angle or even flossing/brushing tech.
Verdict: would I recommend this to my patients? Sure. I wouldn’t not recommend it. Then again I generally recommend anything a patient likes and enjoys using.
As for me, I shall be returning to my normal toothpaste…actually… I’m starting my next trial run: the Venus White whitening system by Hereus for the next 7 days or so.