Prevident Products for Tooth Decay: How Are They Different?

If you have ever used a Prevident dental product, you may know there are many forms available. With so many to choose from, it can be confusing to know the difference between them. And it can be hard to figure out which of these products is best for you. Here we’ll review the different types of Prevident products and how they work.

How many types of Prevident products are there?

There are several different types of Prevident products. One of the different formulations may work better for you based on your dental health history. The different types of Prevident products are:

• Prevident 5000 Plus

• Prevident 5000 Booster Plus

• Prevident 5000 Sensitive

• Prevident 5000 Enamel Protect

• Prevident 5000 Dry Mouth

How do these Prevident products compare to one another?

All of the Prevident products contain sodium fluoride 1.1%. This is what makes each of the Prevident toothpastes helpful in preventing cavities. But there are a few differences between the products.

One difference is that Prevident 5000 Booster Plus improves fluoride distribution. It’s also more efficient and helps the fluoride get absorbed faster. This is ideal for people who have:

• A high risk for cavities or tooth decay

• Crown or bridge work

• White spots on their teeth (sign of enamel breakdown, which can lead to cavity formation) 

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Prevident 5000 Plus does not allow you to absorb the fluoride as well. And the benefits of fluoride take longer as compared to the Prevident 5000 Booster Plus.

The other products have formulations for people who have special dental health needs. They are best for people who may have pain, tooth sensitivity, or a tendency for dry mouth.

Which Prevident is the best?

If you don't have any specific oral health issues, Prevident 5000 Plus or Prevident 5000 Booster Plus work for cavity prevention. Both products contain 1.1% sodium fluoride. This high concentration of fluoride is helpful if you have a higher risk of tooth decay.

The Prevident 5000 Enamel Protect and Prevident 5000 Sensitive are ideal if you have sensitive teeth. These help strengthen teeth and protect against acid wear. They’re also useful in reducing the painful sensitivity of your teeth. That’s because both of these products contain 5% potassium nitrate. This is a key ingredient to help decrease tooth sensitivity. Potassium nitrate blocks pain signals from your tooth to your brain.

These products can help protect against sensitivity to:

• Cold

• Heat 

• Acids

• Sweets 

Prevident 5000 Dry Mouth does not have the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is a common additive that causes the foaming action of toothpaste. This helps to break down the plaque on and between your teeth. 

Although SLS has benefits, it can irritate the lining of your mouth if you have dry mouth. Prevident 5000 Dry Mouth has a formulation that makes it less likely to cause dryness and irritation.

How long does it take Prevident to work?

Prevident products can work quickly to improve dental health. Early tooth decay can reverse within 3 months of using Prevident 5000 products. This is most likely near the root surface. 

You can also see other benefits shortly after starting Prevident. One study showed a significant decrease in tooth sensitivity after 6 weeks of using Prevident 5000 Enamel Protect and Prevident 5000 Sensitive.

What are the side effects of using Prevident?

Prevident dental products don’t typically cause any side effects when you use them properly. But swallowing fluoridated toothpastes on a regular basis can cause fluorosis of the teeth. Fluorosis can lead to changes in the color of your teeth, or it can show up as white spots. These white spots indicate that the enamel is demineralized and a cavity can start to form very quickly.

Consuming fluoride in large quantities may lead to acute fluoride toxicity or poisoning. Symptoms may include: 

• Gastrointestinal pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headaches 

Fluoride toxicity is most common in children. This is because children tend to swallow toothpaste. Body weight plays a role in fluoride toxicity. It typically takes less fluoride to create toxic levels in children than it does in adults. 

In general, the minimum dose of exposure for fluoride toxicity is 5 mg of fluoride for each kg of body weight. But data shows that early symptoms can occur at much lower doses, even less than 1 mg per kg.

About 80% of cases of acute fluoride toxicity occur in children under the age of 6. That’s why all fluoridated toothpastes have the warning to “keep out of reach of young children.”

What is the difference between dental gel and dental paste?

Gels are made with silica to create a thin, clear texture. This is typically less abrasive on the teeth. Pastes are made with hydrated silica, which gives them a thicker texture. They tend to create foam and are more abrasive to the teeth.

In reality, there’s not much difference between the two. Both gel and paste are typically made up of similar substances. The choice usually comes down to personal preference.

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Written by:

Shari L. Grigsby-Young, DDS

Dr. Grigsby-Young is a general dentist who was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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