What is sodium lauryl sulphate and why is it added to toothpastes? Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a detergent that is commonly added to products like toothpaste and shampoo. The most common reason for adding it to products is likely a mistaken assumption that every cleaning agent needs to produce a lot of foam. Another reason is its minimal antibacterial effect that marginally improves the product’s cleaning ability. However, especially for people with sensitive or dry mouths, sodium lauryl sulphate’s drawbacks far outweigh its benefits.

Why should I use a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate? Sodium lauryl sulphate is known to exacerbate problems experienced by people with sensitive or dry mouths by, for example, increasing the likelihood of aphthous ulcers and drying up the mouth. Detrimental side effects like these can be reduced significantly by switching to a toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulphate.

How does Apteq Caring Toothpaste foam if it does not contain sodium lauryl sulphate? A unique property of Apteq Caring Toothpaste’s composition is that it produces a fresh and delicate foam without sodium lauryl sulphate or other detergents that irritate mucous membranes. How the foam forms and what ingredients contribute to the effect is a closely held business secret of Fennogate Finland Ltd.

I have a sensitive mouth and read that fluoride in toothpaste is harmful. Should I switch to a fluoride-free toothpaste? No. Fluoride is a cornerstone of modern oral hygiene. Fluoride significantly reduces dissolution of minerals in enamel, reduces the amount of acid produced by bacteria in plaque and strengthens enamel. The fluoride content of toothpaste needs to be 1,450 ppm (0.145%) to allow the fluoride to prevent tooth decay. We do not generally recommend the use of fluoride-free toothpaste to anyone. The only exception to this are children under the age of six in rare areas where the drinking water has a fluoride content above the specified limit (1.5 mg per litre).

Where can I buy Apteq Caring Toothpaste? I could not find it in my local shop. Apteq Caring Toothpaste is only available at pharmacies. If, for some reason, it is not available at your local pharmacy, you can ask the pharmacist to order it. Apteq Caring Toothpaste is available for order to all Finnish pharmacies.

What does RDA value mean in toothpaste? What is an appropriate RDA value? Mildly abrasive substances are also purposefully added to toothpastes. The abrasiveness of toothpaste is tested and reported as an RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion) value. The highest permitted RDA value for toothpaste is 250, and it is recommended that you choose a toothpaste with an RDA of less than 100. An RDA of 0–70 is low abrasive, 70–100 is medium abrasive and 100–150 is highly abrasive. In practice, any toothpaste with an RDA of over 100 is too abrasive. Toothpastes with an RDA of 150–250 are considered harmful. Unfortunately, the RDA values of most toothpastes are not reported in the product description. Modern, powerful and high-speed electric toothbrushes increase the abrasiveness of toothpaste. Those most likely to suffer detrimental effects as a result of high abrasiveness are children and young people (soft enamel on recently erupted teeth), as well as those suffering from dental erosion. The RDA of Apteq Caring Toothpaste is 35. The RDA value of 35 has been achieved by adding silica, which is harmless, and this value is clearly printed on both the outer and inner packaging. Apteq Caring Toothpaste’s RDA of 35 ensures effective cleaning without damaging tooth enamel. As such, it is also suitable for: • Use with powerful electric toothbrushes • The recently erupted teeth and soft enamel of children and young people • People suffering from dental erosion

Is the xylitol in Apteq Caring Toothpaste produced in Finland? Yes. Apteq Caring Toothpaste contains xylitol that has been produced in Finland.

The name of the marketer is printed on the packaging: Fennogate Finland Ltd, Mikrokatu 1, 70210 Kuopio. Is Apteq Caring Toothpaste also made in Finland? No. Apteq Caring Toothpaste is produced in the EU by a contract manufacturer that specialises in oral hygiene products for people with sensitive mouths.

Who developed Apteq Caring Toothpaste and where? Apteq Caring Toothpaste was developed by Fennogate Finland Ltd, a 100% Finnish company, in collaboration with dentists and oral hygienists, as well as patients with sensitive or dry mouths.

What colour and taste is Apteq Caring Toothpaste? It is recommended that people with dry or sensitive mouths avoid strong flavourings. However, based on the feedback we received, a completely tasteless toothpaste does not leave a sense of cleanness in the mouth. A colourless liquid toothpaste is difficult to use and squeeze out of the tube in the right proportions. Apteq Caring Toothpaste has a pleasant, mild mint taste that leaves a sense of freshness in the mouth after brushing without irritating mucous membranes. Its firm, non-running composition and white colour make it easier to use and apply in the right proportions.

Is Apteq Caring Toothpaste suitable for persons who are pregnant or breastfeeding? Yes. Apteq Caring Toothpaste contains a sweetener named saccharin. While food products containing saccharin are not recommended during pregnancy, the amount of saccharin in the toothpaste is so small that it can be used safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Is Apteq Caring Toothpaste suitable for vegans? Yes. Apteq Caring Toothpaste does not contain any animal products.

What are the ingredients betaine and olea europaea leaf extract listed on Apteq Caring Toothpaste? Betaine is an organic compound produced by sugar beet that is separated and refined as a secondary product by the sugar industry. Betaine is an osmoprotectant that protects the cells of the oral mucosa from harmful changes. Betaine treats and soothes mucous membranes irritated by substances such as detergents or chemical irritants. Betaine also significantly eases the symptoms of a dry mouth. Olea europaea leaf extract comes from the leaves of olive trees. The extract moistens the mouth’s mucous membranes. It also has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Olives can also reduce sulphur compounds associated with bad breath.

I have oral lichen planus. Is Apteq Caring Toothpaste suitable for me? Yes. Apteq Caring Toothpaste is designed specifically for people with sensitive mouths, such as those who suffer from oral lichen planus. At Fennogate Finland Ltd, we conducted a consumer study in which we gave customers suffering from oral lichen planus Apteq Caring Toothpaste for testing. All customers who responded to the survey indicated that they intended to continue using Apteq toothpaste. 88% recommended Apteq toothpaste to others suffering from oral lichen planus. Half estimated that their oral health had improved significantly after they started using Apteq toothpaste. The remaining half estimated that there was no change in their oral health.

I have diabetes. Is Apteq Caring Toothpaste suitable for me? Yes. Apteq Caring Toothpaste is suitable for diabetics and was designed with them in mind. Diabetes does not directly cause any oral symptoms or diseases. However, people who suffer from diabetes experience mouth infections and other problems more often and find it harder to treat these conditions. Apteq Caring Toothpaste contains xylitol and olea europaea leaf extract, which is natural and antimicrobial. Fluoride and a high xylitol content reduce diabetics’ heightened risk of caries. Certain diabetes medications cause mouth dryness. The combination of olea europaea leaf extract, glycerol and betaine moisten and treat the mouth’s mucous membranes.