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Crest Pro-Health Frequently Asked Questions

Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste FAQs


  1. Is Crest Pro-Health safe?
  2. What is Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste?
  3. What is the Polyfluorite System™?
  4. What's the difference between stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride?
  5. Does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste contain more fluoride than other Crest versions?
  6. Why does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste have a warning about staining?
  7. How is Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste different from other toothpastes?
  8. How is Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste different from other anti-sensitivity toothpastes on the market today?
  9. What sizes is Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste sold in?
  10. How does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste work to prevent gingivitis?
  11. Why does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste feel gritty?
  12. Is it safe/okay to use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste with Crest Pro-Health Rinse?
  13. Do I have to use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste with Crest Pro-Health Rinse?
  14. Can I use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste longer than 4 weeks?
  15. If I don't have gingivitis can I still use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste?
  16. If I don't have sensitive teeth, can I still use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste?
  17. How does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste work?
  18. What are the benefits dentists recommend toothpaste for most often?
  19. Does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste contain Crest Pro-Health Rinse?
  20. What are ActivClean Crystals?
  21. Has Crest Pro–Health Toothpaste received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association?

  1. Is Crest Pro-Health safe?

    Yes, Crest Pro Health is safe and effective for use when used as directed. All P&G products adhere to comprehensive safety standards, undergoing a rigorous scientific evaluation before going to market and being continuously monitored once in market.
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  2. What is Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste?

    Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste is uniquely formulated to provide protection against cavities, gingivitis, plaque, tooth sensitivity, tartar buildup, plus it freshens your breath. But it doesn't stop there. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste also provides excellent whitening benefits too.
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  3. What is the Polyfluorite System™?

    The Polyfluorite System™ found only in Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste combines two powerful ingredients: therapeutic stannous fluoride to protect against plaque, gingivitis, cavities and tooth sensitivity; and sodium hexametaphosphate, which is a stain- and tartar-fighting ingredient. Together they deliver a unique, comprehensive protection for your teeth like never before.
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  4. What's the difference between stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride?

    Stannous fluoride is an anti-bacterial agent that's clinically proven to protect against gingivitis, plaque and tooth sensitivity, while still providing the trusted cavity protection you expect from Crest. Although sodium fluoride protects against cavities, it doesn't provide protection from these other conditions.
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  5. Does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste contain more fluoride than other Crest versions?

    While Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste contains 0.454% stannous fluoride, it's formulated to deliver the same concentration of fluoride ions (1100 ppm F-) as the 0.243% sodium fluoride in other Crest products.
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  6. Why does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste have a warning about staining?

    Current FDA regulations require that products containing stannous fluoride be labeled about their staining potential. But Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, with our Polyfluorite System™, contains a high-cleaning silica and sodium hexametaphosphate, a unique whitening ingredient, to remove and help prevent external stains. And it's the only toothpaste to provide protection against cavities, gingivitis, plaque, tooth sensitivity and tartar buildup, and it freshens breath.
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  7. How is Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste different from other toothpastes?

    Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste is the only toothpaste that offers such a wide range of benefits in just one tube! Crest Pro-Health provides protection against cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitive teeth, tartar buildup and it freshens breath. And it whitens your teeth, too.
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  8. How is Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste different from other anti-sensitivity toothpastes on the market today?

    Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste is the first and only toothpaste to provide this combination of protection against cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitive teeth, tartar buildup, stains and it freshens breath. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste provides a gingivitis benefit not found in other sensitivity toothpastes.
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  9. What sizes is Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste sold in?

    Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste is available to retailers nationally in several convenient sizes: 4.2 oz, 6.0 oz and 7.8 oz.
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  10. How does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste work to prevent gingivitis?

    When you brush with Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, stannous fluoride, a component of the Polyfluorite System™, is released in the mouth. Therapeutic stannous fluoride is a powerful anti-microbial agent that kills harmful bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis.
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  11. Why does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste feel gritty?

    You may notice Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste feels a little different in your mouth. It is due to the presence of the ActivClean™ crystals. As you begin to brush, the ActivClean™ crystals immediately begin to dissolve to form a protective barrier that helps prevent stains from attaching to the tooth’s surface and helps prevent tartar buildup.
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  12. Is it safe/okay to use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste with Crest Pro-Health Rinse?

    Yes. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste and Crest Pro-Health Rinse have both been proven independently to be safe and effective.
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  13. Do I have to use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste with Crest Pro-Health Rinse?

    No. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste protects your teeth against gingivitis, cavities, tooth sensitivity, tartar buildup, stains and it freshens breath.
    Crest Pro-Health Rinse is an anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque mouthwash that kills germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath and made for consumers who include mouthwash in their oral care routine or would like to begin using mouthwash in their routine.
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  14. Can I use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste longer than 4 weeks?

    Yes, Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste can be used for longer than four weeks for prevention of cavities and for control of plaque and gingivitis. Sensitive teeth persisting longer than four weeks may indicate a more serious problem that needs prompt attention from your dentist.
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  15. If I don't have gingivitis can I still use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste?

    You can still use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste even if you don't have gingivitis. This unique toothpaste also protects against cavities, plaque, tartar buildup, sensitive teeth and it freshens breath and whitens teeth too!
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  16. If I don't have sensitive teeth, can I still use Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste?

    You can still use Crest Pro-Health toothpaste even if you don't have sensitive teeth. This unique toothpaste also protects against cavities, gingivitis, plaque, tartar buildup, and it freshens breath and whitens teeth!
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  17. How does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste work?

    Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste contains the Polyfluorite System™ consisting of therapeutic stannous fluoride, an anti-microbial agent and sodium hexametaphosphate, a stain- and tartar-fighting ingredient. These ingredients deliver protection against cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, tartar buildup and it freshens breath as well as whitens your teeth.
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  18. What are the benefits dentists recommend toothpaste for most often?

    A survey among a nationally representative sample of dental professionals indicates cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, tartar, whitening, and breath are benefits for which dentists and hygienists recommend toothpaste most.
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  19. Does Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste contain Crest Pro-Health Rinse?

    No. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste has been uniquely formulated with the Polyfluorite System™ consisting of therapeutic stannous fluoride, an anti-microbial agent, and sodium hexametaphosphate, a stain-and tartar-fighting ingredient.

    Crest Pro-Health Rinse is formulated using a different anti-microbial agent, cetylpyridinium chloride.
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  20. What are ActivClean Crystals?

    ActivClean crystals are part of the special whitening ingredients contained in Crest Pro–Health Toothpaste. They are a sodium hexametaphosphate polypyrophosphate compound that forms a barrier on your teeth to help protect the surface from stain and tartar–buildup.
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  21. Has Crest Pro–Health Toothpaste received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association?

    Yes. In fact, Crest Pro-Health Gel Toothpaste - Clean Mint, Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste - Clean Cinnamon, Crest Pro-Health Night Toothpaste, and Crest Pro-Health Whitening are the only toothpastes that have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance for protecting against all these areas: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, stains and bad breath. They also help prevent tartar buildup and freshen breath.
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Crest Pro-Health Rinse FAQs


  1. What is Crest Pro-Health Rinse?
  2. Who can use it?
  3. How does Crest Pro-Health Rinse work?
  4. Why is it important to use a mouthwash that protects against gingivitis?
  5. How long should I use Crest Pro-Health Rinse?
  6. Do I still have to floss my teeth?
  7. Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse stain teeth blue?
  8. Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse stain teeth brown?
  9. Why doesn't the Crest Pro-Health Rinse label contain a stain warning?
  10. Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse cause taste loss?
  11. Why does the Crest Pro-Health Rinse label not contain a taste impairment warning?
  12. How does Crest Pro-Health Rinse compare to the leading anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis mouthwash?
  13. How does Crest Pro-Health Rinse compare to Scope?
  14. What sort of testing has P&G performed on Crest Pro-Health Rinse?
  15. What should I do if I am dissatisfied with Crest Pro-Health Rinse?
  16. What is Crest Pro-Health Rinse made of?
  17. Are there any other products that use Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) in the market?
  18. Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse contain alcohol?
  19. Is alcohol needed in mouthwash to kill germs?

  1. What is Crest Pro-Health Rinse?

    Crest Pro-Health Rinse is an anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque mouthwash formulated to kill germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath without the burn of alcohol.

    Crest Pro-Health Rinse is a leading brand of mouthwash, and it has a high percentage of repeat consumers.
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  2. Who can use it?

    While adults and children 6 years and older can use Crest Pro-Health Rinse, we suggest supervision for children 6-12 years old. If multiple people use the same bottle, pour the mouthwash into a cup rather than sharing the cap.

    Because Crest Pro-Health Rinse does not contain alcohol, it is ideal for the millions of people who may want to avoid alcohol-based products (children — or households with children; elderly; diabetics; pregnant women; anyone taking certain prescription medication, e.g. blood pressure, cholesterol, antidepressants, etc.; people with religious considerations; cancer patients; recovering alcoholics; etc.), but who want to enjoy the health benefits of rinse.
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  3. How does Crest Pro-Health Rinse work?

    Crest Pro-Health Rinse kills 99% of germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath, all without the burn of alcohol.
    • Crest Pro-Health Rinse contains a clinically proven germ-killing agent, known as CPC, which is attracted to germs in your mouth.
    • CPC interacts with the germs and kills them, effectively fighting plaque, gingivitis and bad breath for 12 hours.
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  4. Why is it important to use a mouthwash that protects against gingivitis?

    Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. It is an inflammation of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can be a major cause of teeth loss in adults. While gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of gum disease, it may lead to more serious, destructive forms if left untreated.

    The key to preventing gingivitis is removing plaque, and that starts with good brushing habits, and rinsing thoroughly after brushing with mouthwash that effectively fights plaque and gingivitis, like Crest Pro-Health Rinse. It contains a clinically proven germ-killing agent, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), that's attracted to bacteria in your mouth, making it effective at fighting plaque, gingivitis and bad breath.
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  5. How long should I use Crest Pro-Health Rinse?

    It is recommended that you use 20mL of Crest Pro-Health Rinse twice daily, 30 seconds each use, for the product to provide all the benefits indicated.
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  6. Do I still have to floss my teeth?

    Yes. Mouthwash is not intended to replace flossing. While Crest Pro-Health Rinse reduces plaque in the places you may miss while brushing, you should continue to use floss, like Crest Glide Deep Clean Floss, in your oral care regimen.
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  7. Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse stain teeth blue?

    Crest Pro-Health Rinse Refreshing Clean Mint flavor contains a blue dye.
    • The dye is safe, will not permanently stain your teeth or tongue, and should wash away with normal eating and drinking.
    • However, you might want to try Crest Pro-Health Rinse Cool Wintergreen flavor, or Crest Pro-Health Night Rinse, neither of which contain blue dye.
    Some consumers may notice blue specks in their sink after spitting out Crest Pro-Health Rinse Refreshing Clean Mint Flavor.
    • The blue dye in the mouthwash can bind to germs in your mouth, making them more visible when you spit into the sink.
    • Some consumers find that running water in the sink before spitting out the rinse helps prevent the blue specks from sticking.
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  8. Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse stain teeth brown?

    Like all mouthwashes that effectively fight plaque and gingivitis, Crest Pro-Health Rinse can contribute to temporary, surface-level brown tooth discoloration, which is reported by a small percentage of individuals.
    • Tooth discoloration could actually be one indication, in some people, that the product is working: after the rinse kills germs in your mouth, the dead germs can collect on the tooth surface and create the appearance of a brown stain.
    • Tooth discoloration could be exaggerated by many other factors, such as existing tartar on teeth, consumption of colored beverages like coffee, tea and/or red wine, or tobacco use.
    • Brown tooth discoloration from use of mouthwashes that effectively fight plaque and gingivitis is not harmful. It is reversible - and largely preventable - through options like brushing with a power toothbrush and tartar-control/whitening toothpaste, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly.
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  9. Why doesn't the Crest Pro-Health Rinse label contain a stain warning?

    The active ingredient in Crest Pro-Health Rinse has been recognized as safe and effective by an FDA advisory panel. The label meets current FDA standards.

    Some other mouthwashes that effectively fight plaque and gingivitis, and have the potential to contribute to temporary brown tooth discoloration, have been on the market for years, and do not carry a stain label.

    Crest Pro-Health Rinse’s product label does instruct users to "use [the rinse] after your normal brushing and flossing routine."
    • Brown tooth discoloration from use of mouthwashes that effectively fight plaque and gingivitis is not harmful. It is reversible - and largely preventable - through options like brushing with a power toothbrush and tartar-control/whitening toothpaste, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly.
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  10. Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse cause taste loss?

    Crest Pro-Health Rinse does not cause permanent taste alteration.
    • Oral care products containing active ingredient CPC may cause a temporary aftertaste, or temporary change in the taste of food, in a small percentage of people.
    • CPC stays in the mouth for long periods of time, which allows the rinse to provide its 12-hour benefit.
    • Aftertaste/change in the taste of food typically goes away shortly after product use is stopped.
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  11. Why does the Crest Pro-Health Rinse label not contain a taste impairment warning?

    The active ingredient in Crest Pro-Health Rinse has been recognized as safe and effective by an FDA advisory panel. The label meets current FDA standards.

    The temporary aftertaste, or change in the taste of food, that a small percentage of consumers might experience, typically goes away shortly after product use is stopped.
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  12. How does Crest Pro-Health Rinse compare to the leading anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis mouthwash?

    Both Crest Pro-Health Rinse and the leading anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis mouthwash are formulated to fight germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath.

    But Crest Pro-Health’s unique formula does not contain alcohol.
    • The alcohol-free formula also means that the product is easier to use for the recommended 30 seconds twice daily.
    • If the product is not used for the full 30 seconds, users will not realize the full benefit.
    • Alcohol — at high concentrations — has been reported to contribute to dry mouth, which can worsen bad breath and the growth of more germs.
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  13. How does Crest Pro-Health Rinse compare to Scope?

    Scope is a mouthwash that is formulated to kill bad breath germs, providing minty-fresh breath.

    Crest Pro-Health Rinse provides important health benefits that many ordinary mouthwashes do not.
    • It kills 99% of germs that cause plaque and gingivitis, as well as those that cause bad breath, all without the burn of alcohol.
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  14. What sort of testing has P&G performed on Crest Pro-Health Rinse?

    We conducted comprehensive studies on Crest Pro-Health Rinse to prove its safety and effectiveness. Information on our clinical and technical data is available on our professional website, www.dentalcare.com.

    In these studies, the level of temporary, surface-level tooth discoloration found was similar to that of other mouthwashes that effectively fight plaque and gingivitis.
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  15. What should I do if I am dissatisfied with Crest Pro-Health Rinse?

    As a company, P&G stands behind all of our products. But, if consumers are unhappy with a product, we take these concerns very seriously and address each individually. We also have a team of nurses prepared to answer consumers' health questions related to our products. Please call our toll-free information line at 1-800-285-9139 if you are dissatisfied with Crest Pro-Health Rinse.
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  16. What is Crest Pro-Health Rinse made of?

    The active ingredient in Crest Pro-Health Rinse's formula is 0.07% Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The active ingredient in Crest Pro-Health Rinse has been recognized as safe and effective by an FDA advisory panel. The label meets current FDA standards.

    The formula's inactive ingredients may include, but are not limited to, water, glycerin, flavor, poloxamer 407, sodium saccharin, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, propolyne glycol, blue 1, yellow 6, and green 3.

    The bottle is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the cap is made of polypropylene.
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  17. Are there any other products that use Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) in the market?

    Yes, however, not all of the products are formulated to kill plaque and gingivitis germs.
    • Crest Pro-Health Rinse's innovative formula allows CPC to be available for killing plaque and gingivitis germs, as opposed to binding with other inactive ingredients in the formula.
    • The active ingredient in Crest Pro-Health Rinse has been recognized as safe and effective by an FDA advisory panel.
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  18. Does Crest Pro-Health Rinse contain alcohol?

    No, Crest Pro-Health Rinse is alcohol free.
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  19. Is alcohol needed in mouthwash to kill germs?

    No. In alcohol-containing mouthwashes, alcohol is not even the active ingredient; it is simply required to stabilize the formula. At high concentrations, alcohol has been reported to contribute to dry mouth, which can worsen bad breath and the growth of more germs.

    Crest Pro-Health Rinse's alcohol-free formula is a win for millions of consumers who may want to avoid alcohol-based products, but who want to enjoy the health benefits of mouthwash.
    • The alcohol-free formula also means that the product is easier to use for the recommended 30 seconds twice daily.
    • If the product is not used for the full 30 seconds, users will not realize the full benefit.
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