Prescription for toothpaste!

Or it could be that your very busy dentist has determined that you need a special toothpaste that is not available over the counter, because he/ she is doing his/ her job of caring for your teeth.

No, I haven't, and I think you are right to be sceptical.

However, fluoride has side effects (many, though not all, in pregnant women & children) and that is why the concentration in ordinary toothpastes is limited. If your dentist thinks you need a higher level, and that the side effects are not an issue for you, I understand the reason for a prescription.

I would ring the surgery and ask why this prescription, why for you, and why not available over the counter? Having been given the reasons, if not satisfied, you could try checking with your local NHS.

DH has a prescription for toothpaste, no idea why but I know he uses normal most days.

DH was also given a prescription for Toothpaste, on his last visit.
As we get free prescriptions, it didn't cost him anything. He was given two tubes!
I had not heard of this before.
On the subject of dental practices, some time ago I was told to stop using a particular mouthwash, that used to be widely advertised. The hygienist said that it stained teeth.

I think I know which one you mean Autieflo - DH was advised to use it for a particular reason by dentist but not for much longer than a couple of weeks.

Not heard if this one what a dreadful waste surely not many toothpaste are worth more than the prescription charge
I had a check up last month but nothing offered thankfully

Yes I use, that toothpaste. I have asked at the pharmacy but it only available on prescription.

I was prescribed a high fluoride mouthwash once. The higher fluoride percentages are for treatment I understood and not forever. The toothpaste is very expensive I think. I had a conversation about it with a pharmacist a couple of years ago. I seem to remember it being £11 or £12 at that time.

The only time I've had a prescription from the Dentist was when I had an infected wisdom tooth. That prescription was for antibiotics, and unfortunately my tooth had to be extracted.

I've never been given a prescription for toothpaste.

I have a very strong prescription toothpaste from the dentist, as I have Sjogern's syndrome.
Patients with Sjogern's are are at high risk of dental decay, even although they have regular checkups and are rigorous about dental hygiene.
My check ups are every three months, as any dental problems can impact on my health due to my comorbidities. It can't be obtained without a prescription and I am delighted that my dentist is so vigilant.

I get prescription toothpaste. I suffer from certain ailments that can affect oral health. You can't buy the stuff so that's why it's on prescription.

Marydoll, Thanks for the tip-off. I have secondary Sjogren's and nobody has told me about the toothpaste. I will tell my dentist about the diagnosis when I see him next month, though if it's that expensive, I will have to get it through my GP or my rheumatologist - my dentist is private.

My son was given a prescription for three tubes (they are small) of high fluoride toothpaste at his last check up. He has weak teeth (his paternal gran had same so wonder if it's in the genes?) and this plus mouthwash is an attempt to help. Made by Colgate.

My DH changed dentist a year ago and is given a prescription for two tubes of this high fluoride toothpaste every time he has an appointment.

I was told that I had gum disease 'like most older adults' and prescribed the toothpaste. They said the 'benefits outweighed any risks' but forgot that I have an allergic reaction to mint flavouring.

annodomini, it is really important that you tell your dentist and opthalmologist of your diagnosis, as it can cause all sorts of problems.

I too have secondary Sjogren's.

I have the same problem as Marydoll and had prescription toothpaste but to be honest it didn't do much good my teeth were such a problem. I was offered dental implants on the NHS but would have to wait around 2 years or more. I was lucky that we had the money and I went down the private route and never regretted it.

Back to toothpaste on the NHS, well its preventative and I don't see why not. My dentist also gave away free samples which were good for travel.

Gransnet at it's best! So good at highlighting health issues.

I'm going to bear that in mind, Barmeyoldbat, my teeth give me so many problems.

Thanks for all the responses. I just thought it a bit odd and late in the day at my age to be given a prescription for toothpaste.