Two weeks ago I started to notice that no matter how hard I flossed, brushed, and used mouthwash 2x a day, my teeth didn’t seem to be getting clean. I had just gone to the dentist earlier this month and was being particularly zealous with my cleaning routine; so to see my teeth start to discolor so soon after my cleaning left me dismayed.
I started to suspect my new mouthwash, Crest Pro Health, and stopped using it. The discoloration on my teeth started to get better after a few days, but it was still driving me nuts so I started to Google it. And lo and behold, Crest Pro Health is commonly reported to cause teeth staining. What the hell!
Even check out Amazon’s reviews, more teeth staining! Why is this product on the market? A mouthwash that stains your teeth–can they be serious??
I really can’t believe it. Tomorrow I plan to throw out all my Crest products out of sheer disdain for the brand. And pick-up some Colgate.
Comments
3 responses to “Crest is Dead to Me”
you could also try out aquafresh. I like it because of the three colors that come out at the same time. Really fresh too (as the name implies).
I work in Consumer Care for Crest and noticed this post on your blog. I use Crest Pro Health Rinse and can imagine how frustrating this would be. 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 very small percentage of people. Less than one-tenth of 1% of people who have purchased Crest Pro-Health Rinse has raised this concern. In some people, tooth discoloration could actually be one indication your mouthwash is working. After it kills germs in your mouth, the dead germs could collect on the tooth surface and create the appearance of a brown stain. The discoloration could be exaggerated by many other factors, such as existing tartar on teeth, tobacco use, certain prescription medications, and/or drinking red wine, tea, or coffee. 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. What you described is unusual since our products are thoroughly evaluated to be safe when used as directed. We’d like to hear more about your experience. When you have a minute, I hope you’ll call us at 1-866-587-2338. Thanks, Dee.
Thanks, but no thanks. I’m just glad I’m not one of the “very small percentage of people” who also experienced a loss in taste (another commonly reported side effect). Terrible!
For more background, see the USA Today article:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-05-07-crest-rinse_N.htm