Total FAQ Accordion

Frequent Asked Questions

  • What are the active ingredients in Colgate Total?

    Stannous fluoride is the only active ingredient used in the Colgate Total and it provides multiple benefits; namely, anti-cavity, gingivitis, and sensitivity benefits, without the need for any additional active ingredients. Stannous fluoride is unstable in the presence of water, which is commonly used in toothpaste formulation. Colgate Total has a unique inactive zinc phosphate system that enables stannous fluoride to remain stable and active in delivering its intended benefits.

  • How does Colgate Total work?

    All Colgate Total toothpastes contain a unique formula that helps fight today’s most common dental and mouth problems including cavities, plaque, tartar buildup, gingivitis, bad breath and sensitivity. The Colgate Total breakthrough formula is patented and uses the active ingredient stannous fluoride, stabilized with a unique zinc phosphate system, to form a pro-active barrier that fights bacteria not just on teeth, but also on your tongue, cheeks & gums, so that your whole mouth is healthy.

  • What are the different types of Colgate Total?

    Please visit: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/total to learn more about the different types and benefits of Colgate Total.

  • How safe is stannous fluoride?

    Stannous fluoride is recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration when used according to the Drug Facts label. Stannous Fluoride has a long history of use in oral care products since its first introduction in the 1950's.

  • How much fluoride do Colgate Total toothpastes contain?

    Going along the US Food and Drug Administration OTC regulations, all Colgate Total toothpaste contain 0.454% of Stannous Fluoride for Anticavity, Antigingivitis and Sensitivity indications.

  • What’s the difference between stannous fluoride and other fluorides?

    Like certain other forms of fluoride, stannous fluoride is an approved anti-cavity ingredient to be used in toothpaste by the FDA. Stannous fluoride differs from other fluorides in that it also provides gingivitis and sensitivity benefits.

  • What are the RDA levels of Colgate Total toothpastes?

    All Colgate Total toothpastes are under 250, as determined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and are therefore safe for daily use.

  • Does Colgate Total contain gluten?

    Colgate Total toothpastes do not contain gluten. Colgate ensures all ingredients used within our formulas are not derived from gluten sources and that there is no cross- contamination of our ingredients or products with sources of gluten at our suppliers' or at our own manufacturing facilities.

  • Does Colgate Total contain animal derivatives?

    Colgate Total toothpastes do not contain ingredients derived from animals. The glycerin used in our Colgate Total toothpastes comes from synthetic products or vegetables.

  • Does Colgate Total contain alcohol?

    None of the Colgate Total toothpastes contain alcohol.

  • Where is Colgate Total made?

    Colgate Total toothpastes sold in the US are made in our main production base in Morristown, Tennessee.

  • How safe is Colgate Total?

    All ingredients found in the Colgate Total are safe. The active ingredient, stannous fluoride, used in the Colgate Total is recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration, when used according to the Drug Facts label. Stannous Fluoride has a long history of use in oral care products since its first introduction in the 1950's.

  • Why did you move to Colgate Total?

    Colgate is committed to offering the most advanced products to meet the evolving oral care needs of our consumers. The Colgate Total formula is the result of more than a decade of development, including dozens of laboratory and clinical studies, to provide people with improved oral health. Colgate Total’s formula fights bacteria not just on teeth, but also your tongue, cheeks and gums so that your whole mouth is healthy.

    Colgate Total’s breakthrough formula delivers more benefits than ever before. It provides excellent protection against plaque, gingivitis, stains, tartar and cavities whilst providing additional benefits including sensitivity relief, improved enamel strength*, rapid neutralization of odors* associated with bad breath, and improved flavors that will leave your mouth clean and fresh.

    * Based on in vitro tests.

  • Is Colgate Total safe for dental work?

    All Colgate Total toothpastes are designed for everyday use. They are safe to use in any dental work including braces.

  • Can kids use Colgate Total ?

    The Colgate Total packaging specifying use in children 12 and over is the FDA required age recommendation for toothpastes providing desensitizing benefits because sensitization does not generally occur in children under 12. However, stannous fluoride, which provides both the anti-caries and anti-sensitivity benefit, is present at the amount approved by the US FDA for caries prevention in children over 2 years of age.

  • Is Colgate Total safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers?

    The ingredients in Colgate Total have been proven safe and effective. You can be assured that Colgate-Palmolive will introduce products into the marketplace only after their ingredients have established an exhaustive scientific record of safety and efficacy. Stannous fluoride is an approved active ingredient and is recognized as safe by the FDA. However, if you are pregnant or nursing, as with any product, we recommend seeking the advice of your medical or dental professional.

  • I've heard stannous fluoride causes staining - is this true?

    Stannous fluoride, when improperly formulated, has been associated with staining. But the Colgate Total is clinically proven to help prevent staining. Its unique cleaning system actually removes stains significantly better than non-whitening toothpastes and helps whiten teeth.

  • Are the ingredients in Colgate Total safe for the environment?

    All of the ingredients we use in our products are safe for people and the environment. They meet our strict safety standards and all applicable government regulations everywhere they are sold around the world. The decisions we make on ingredients are based on a thorough evaluation of the latest scientific evidence. When we choose an ingredient, it is first prescreened by a team of Colgate-Palmolive scientists. Every ingredient is assessed alone and within a formula to ensure that nothing unexpected will occur. Our ingredient review assesses not just what happens in our laboratories, but across a range of real-world conditions – during manufacturing, in transportation, at the store, in consumers’ homes, and after consumer use. Stannous fluoride is an approved active ingredient and is recognized as safe by the FDA.

  • Did you change the flavor?

    Yes. It has been changed and optimized for the best flavor experience with the formula. You’ll love the improved flavors as they will leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

  • Is there information on Colgate Total and diabetes?

  • Is the Colgate Total as good as the old one?

    The Colgate Total delivers more benefits than it has ever before! It provides excellent protection against plaque, gingivitis, stains, tartar and cavities whilst providing additional benefits including repairing sensitive areas of the teeth for sensitivity relief, improved enamel strength* and rapid neutralization of odors* associated with bad breath. Its improved flavors will leave your mouth clean and fresh.

    *Based on in vitro tests.

  • I want my other/older Colgate Total - how can I get that one again?

    We have re-launched the entire Colgate Total range with the breakthrough formula. It delivers more benefits than ever before. The previous Colgate Total is no longer being produced.