We’re about to launch our new adult brand, Senses, also aimed at making brushing teeth a pleasurable experience and overcoming challenges to achieving good oral health.
Where we began
As some of you may know, good oral health is a topic close to my heart. Buddies Toothpaste was originally born out of our search for a toothpaste my eldest son was happy to use. We didn’t know at the time that he is on the autism spectrum as he was only recently diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. What we did know was that for him most toothpaste flavours are a real problem. He detests mint, to the extent that even the smell literally makes him gag, and is also averse to most fruit flavours or anything like bubble gum. We have since learned that it’s very common for people on the autism spectrum to have heightened responses to senses such as taste and smell.
Although there are alternative flavours available, these generally don’t contain fluoride. Whilst there are people who are strongly anti-fluoride, dental professionals are agreed that toothpaste containing the right amount of fluoride provides the best protection for teeth. For further information about fluoride see Investigating fluoride There are also unflavoured toothpastes on the market, but whilst these may work for some, my son found them unpleasant to use.
Good oral health for kids
I have always believed that making the brushing routine as pleasurable as possible is the best way to make it stick. It’s logical that if parents or carers can form a positive association in a child’s mind with brushing their teeth, then they are much more likely to do it. So, with Buddies, I focused on doing this by creating a product that smells good, tastes good and makes the process as easy as possible. So our Buddies pump dispenser provides just the right amount for brushing and the gel texture sinks in to the bristles meaning it doesn’t all fall off the brush. I’ve heard from parents who, like me, have found the Buddies toothpaste provides a solution for their child.
Not just for kids
What has become clear is that taste-sensitive children grow up to become taste sensitive adults. Or certain conditions or medication can create sensitivities in adults who now struggle to use standard oral care products.
We received interesting feedback that Buddies toothpaste was being used successfully by ‘grown ups’ struggling to use most other products and by carers of people who need help cleaning their teeth. The toothpaste formula itself is perfectly suitable for use from 3+ years and for adults.
It contains 1450 ppm fluoride and government advice is that all children up to three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). After three years old they should use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm However, the Buddies toothpaste packaging is purposefully very child-orientated which could feel inappropriate or even patronising for adults to use.
Senses Oral Health Care
Dental decay and gum disease are almost entirely preventable with a good daily oral health routine.
At Senses we know that this can be much easier said than done.
Some people experience particular challenges that can make maintaining oral health more difficult, whether for themselves or for those under their care.
Our aim is to tackle some of the barriers to good oral health offering effective solutions via our products, with the ultimate goal of oral health for everyone, without exception.
Senses toothpaste has the same great flavour as Buddies Apple Fresh toothpaste as this is our best seller.
Other benefits:
- Senses toothpaste actually has a gel-texture that sinks in to the bristles, thus avoiding falling off the brush, ensuring it actually reaches the teeth
- Contains 1450 ppm fluoride, the recommended amount for optimum protection
- Contains no SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) which can have a drying effect on the mouth
- Low foaming so easier for carers to use
- Flip top lid for ease of use
Although we’ve launched Senses toothpaste in a plastic tube, we are planning to switch to an environmentally friendly alternative at the earliest opportunity
Watch this space for this and more products in the Senses range! sensesforall.com
