alt Hacker NewsThere are prescription-only high-fluoride toothpastes. Excessive fluoride (more than you can get from Act + normal fluoride toothpaste) can cause fluorosis, which ends up being bad for the teeth. Normal amounts of fluoride are good for the teeth. The prescription-only toothpastes have enough that you don't want to use them regularly for a long period. As with most things, the dose makes the poison. Some dentists prescribe them even when they're not needed, since it won't be harmful to use a tube of the stuff every year, or even every 6 months, and it's profitable to them.
Replies
rrr_oh_man • yesterday at 10:15 PM
I got high fluoride toothpaste when I was a kid. Turns out, I just didn't know how to brush my teeth properly.
1. Floss first (!!!)
2. Use *any* electric brush
3. Spit, but don't wash out with water
4. Use fluoride mouthwash➕ show 1 reply
> Some dentists prescribe them even when they're not needed, since it won't be harmful to use a tube of the stuff every year, or even every 6 months, and it's profitable to them.
How is it profitable for them? If I get a prescription from my dentist and fill it at a pharmacy, how does my dentist make extra money from that transaction?