FAQs

DENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

How does fluoride work to protect my teeth from cavities?

Fluoride helps to fight cavities through a process called remineralization. A cavity usually starts as a very small weak spot in the enamel of a tooth. After continual bombardment by acid and bacteria, this weak spot can become a fully developed cavity. Acids play a major role in the cavity's process because they remove minerals (namely calcium and phosphorous) from the tooth, making it more susceptible to decay. This process is called demineralization. Fluoride counteracts this effect and actually helps to reverse demineralization by fostering the return of lost minerals to the demineralized site. This positive process of returning minerals to the mineral-starved site is defined as remineralization. Aquafresh® also fights cavities by helping to reduce the production of acids by physically removing the bacteria which are the source of acids that can actually cause teeth to demineralize. Additionally, Aquafresh® adds fluoride to the tooth's crystal lattice, making it more resistant to acid attack. In other words, Aquafresh® actually strengthens the tooth's outside protective enamel surface.

What are plaque, tartar and gingivitis?

Plaque is a gummy mass of microorganisms that grow on the crowns and spreads along the roots of teeth and is both colorless and transparent. Dental plaques are the forerunners of dental caries and periodontal disease. Tartar is hardened plaque deposited upon the teeth. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling and tendency to bleed.

Is it safe to use fluoride toothpaste even if my water supply is fluoridated?

Major professional dental associations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the British Dental Association (BDA), recommend that people of all ages use fluoride toothpaste twice daily, even if they live in an area with a fluoridated water supply. (Oral Care Issues Management Resource, July 2003) The recently issued Cochrane report reviewed 56 clinical studies covering more that 42,000 participants. The results show that the use of a fluoride-containing toothpaste provides a significant benefit (about 25% fewer cavities) even in areas where the water is fluoridated. Reference: Marinho, VCC, Higgins, JPT, Sheiham, A., Logan, S.; Fluoride toothpastes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents, (Cochrane Review) in: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2003, Oxford.

ABOUT AQUAFRESH IN GENERAL

What are the various kinds of Aquafresh® ?

Presently, Aquafresh® Toothpaste is available in the following formulations: Aquafresh® Cavity Protection Aquafresh® Extra Fresh Aquafresh®-ALL® with Tartar Control Aquafresh® Kids Aquafresh® Mary-Kate and Ashley Aquafresh® Sensitive Maximum Strength Aquafresh® Multi-Action Whitening Aquafresh® Whitening Tartar Protection Aquafresh® Whitening Advanced Freshness Aquafresh® Extreme Clean® Original Flavor Aquafresh® Extreme Clean® Empowermint Aquafresh® Extreme Clean® Whitening

What flavors are used in Aquafresh®?

All Aquafresh® products, except ALL with 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 is 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.

Where is the expiration date on Aquafresh® tubes?

The expiration date is stamped on the crimp of the tube and the flap of the carton. (The expiration date is not printed on ALL with Tartar Control because it has a 3-year shelf life).

Does Aquafresh® contain any gluten?

Aquafresh® toothpaste does not contain gluten.

Do Aquafresh® tubes contain latex?

No, Aquafresh® tubes do not contain latex or substances associated with latex.

Is Aquafresh® available in other countries?

GSK markets Aquafresh® in North and South America, Europe, East and South Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. As with many of our products around the world, we often adapt our product formulation to meet local regulatory requirements and consumer needs and preferences. Therefore, the Aquafresh® that you find when you travel to other countries may be slightly different from the product that is found in the U.S.

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF AQUAFRESH

Can adults use Aquafresh® Kids Toothpaste?

Aquafresh® Kids Toothpaste is very similar to Aquafresh® Cavity Protection Toothpaste and Aquafresh® Extra Fresh Toothpaste. The main difference is that Aquafresh® Kids has a children-preferred sugarless bubblegum. All 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?

There are many causes for tooth sensitivity, one of which is receding gums. The primary causes of receding gums may include age, vigorous brushing with a firm bristle toothbrush, periodontal disease, and simply bad oral hygiene. Often, when the gumline recedes, unprotected dentin is exposed; this contains tiny, microscopic holes that lead directly to the nerve inside the tooth. Teeth may become sensitive when this exposed dentin is subjected to hot, cold, sweet or sour foods, as well as to touch. Aquafresh Sensitive helps to treat sensitive tooth pain in two ways: by soothing the irritated nerve and sealing off the holes that lead to the nerve.

How does tartar form? How does Aquafresh®-ALL with Tartar Control work?

Tartar forms when plaque that is not brushed away combines with the minerals in your saliva and hardens. As tartar begins to accumulate on teeth, it acts like a magnet, attracting more plaque. Some people are more prone to tartar formation than others because of their diet or the naturally occurring substances in their saliva. Once tartar has hardened, the only way to remove it is with a pick-like instrument, such as the one your dentist or hygienist uses. Brushing as directed with Aquafresh®-ALL with Tartar Control helps form a protective barrier that prevents plaque from hardening and reduces tartar buildup.

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.

ABOUT AQUAFRESH® WHITE TRAYS™

How do you use / put on Aquafresh® White Trays™?

Carefully peel back foil from the lower tray and remove the tray from the container. Hold the tray so that the open ends of the “U” are pointing toward you. Place the tray on the lower teeth. Ensure that the edges of the teeth are into the gel at the bottom of the tray. Gently press the tray, moving the whitening gel downward around the teeth starting at the biting edge and working the gel to, but not above the gumline to ensure good contact with the teeth. Biting down on the tray may help to better secure the fit. Start with your front teeth and work outward to the end of the tray. The use of a mirror may be helpful until you become accustomed to tray application. Repeat the process for upper teeth (either at the same time or separately).

Keep the tray in your mouth for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 45 minutes just one time per day. After each usage, remove tray from mouth and discard. You may want to rinse your mouth with water or brush with water and a toothbrush if you have gel residue on your teeth after the trays are removed. Repeat daily for a minimum of 5 days. For even better results, use for 7 days. To watch a demonstration video of how to apply the trays and how they work, please click here.

How much whiter will it make my teeth?

Aquafresh® White Trays™ were clinically proven to significantly whiten teeth. Results vary depending on the individual and the frequency with which whitening treatments are used. Users with considerably stained teeth may see more dramatic results from the Aquafresh® White Trays™ than those whose teeth are less stained.

How long will my teeth remain whiter?

In preliminary testing, the whitening effects from Aquafresh® White Trays™ were shown to last at least 6 months.

What is the percentage of hydrogen peroxide?

While our exact formula is proprietary information, the hydrogen peroxide information is approximately 11%.

Can I use Aquafresh® White Trays™ on uneven and crooked teeth?

Yes. The unique flexible tray and whitening gel can contour to fit most mouths.

Will it whiten dentures / partials / crowns / caps/fillings?

Aquafresh® White Trays™ will not whiten crowns, caps, fillings or dental work, including veneers and dentures, but is unlikely to harm them. If you have dental work such as fillings or crowns, we recommend that you consult your dentist first to make sure tooth whitening is appropriate for you.

What if I experience tooth or gum sensitivity?

Some people may experience temporary tooth or gum sensitivity when whitening their teeth. If this occurs while using Aquafresh® White Trays™, the following may reduce sensitivity:

Do not brush your teeth immediately prior to usage.
Stop using for 2 to 3 days, then resume daily usage.
In the case of persistent tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, stop using the product and see your dentist.
Using sensitive toothpaste such as Sensodyne® or Aquafresh® Sensitive for two weeks preceding and during your whitening treatment week may help prevent discomfort.

Why do we recommend not having any dental work done 2 weeks before or after using Aquafresh® White Trays™?

Having dental work done may increase the susceptibility to sensitivity of the teeth and gums if conducted within 2 weeks before or after a whitening treatment.

What may cause the appearance of white spots on the teeth?

The white spots are not harmful and will go away. The white spots show that the whitening product is working. With continued use, the white spots will fill in and go away.

Can you explain the “Whitening Guarantee”?

If you are not satisfied with the effects of the Aquafresh® White Trays™, retain your receipt and remaining product and call 1-800-897-5623 weekdays for further assistance.

Can Aquafresh® White Trays™ be stored in the refrigerator?

Yes, Aquafresh® White Trays™ can be stored in the refrigerator but it is not necessary. (If stored in the refrigerator allow them to get to room temperature before use.)

I have used the full treatment once, how long do I have to wait before using the trays again?

You can generally use Aquafresh® White Trays™ every six months to continue to keep your smile brighter. It may be necessary to use a second box of Aquafresh® White Trays™ immediately after the first box to achieve the maximum whitening results you desire based on the starting color of your teeth.