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What Is Prevident?

PreviDent is a prescription-only topical fluoride used to prevent cavities--a serious problem in a nation where daily intake of sugary sodas by teenagers has more than doubled in 20 years. PreviDent is packaged as a brush-on gel, dental rinse and dental cream.

  1. Fluoride

    • Fluoride is added to tap water and toothpastes, and strengthens tooth enamel. Dentists frequently finish a cleaning with a topical fluoride as well. Fluoride is also used to prevent tooth decay following radiation treatment. Because 25 percent of school-aged children have 75 percent of all the dental decay, fluoride treatment for children can be an important protection. PreviDent is a brand name product for the generic topical fluoride.

    5000 Plus

    • PreviDent 5000 Plus has 1.1 percent sodium fluoride. It comes in a squeeze tube and is packaged like toothpaste. Colgate states that PreviDent 5000 Plus re-materializes root caries in three months, and, like all fluoride products, may prevent tooth decay caused by foods and drinks.

    Application

    • PreviDent 5000 Plus is to be applied once daily, preferably at bedtime, in place of your regular toothpaste. The manufacturer recommends a small ribbon of dental cream be squeezed onto the toothbrush. Brush for one or two minutes, then expectorate. Do not swallow any paste.

    Brush On Gel

    • PreviDent Brush On Gel also has 1.1 percent fluoride. However, it can be applied in a mouthpiece tray as well as on a toothbrush. Use it following regular teeth brushing, as opposed to instead of it.

    Dental Rinse

    • PreviDent Dental Rinse is 0.2 percent sodium fluoride, which is the highest prescription dosage for a rinse. It comes in a bottle with a dosage cap, and is used at home, once a week. Patients who have trouble swallowing should use PreviDent in another form.

    Considerations

    • To improve results, don't eat, drink, or rinse for 30 minutes after fluoride treatment. PreviDent may be used even when water is fluoridated (see warning below).

    Warnings

    • PreviDent, like all topical fluoride, shouldn't be used when there is .7 parts per million fluoride in the drinking water. Also, if you are on a low or no-salt diet, consult your physician before using PreviDent. Don't swallow PreviDent. Also, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, breast feeding or have gum disease. Use by patients under six years old requires special supervision. Tell your doctor what vitamins and prescription medicines you already take whenever being prescribed a new medicine.

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