Ultradex Daily Oral Rinse

RRP: £8.15/500ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Alcohol free rinse, safe for daily use. The iQ+ ActiveOxi Technology® is clinically proven to: instantly eliminate odour-causing compounds (VSC) and deliver 12 hours' fresh breath; whiten teeth within 14 days by gently lifting organic stains to reveal their true brightness (excellent for use as part of a whitening maintenance programme); and be highly effective against bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum problems and plaque. Contains fluoride (230ppm) to help strengthen teeth. Free from colouring and available either preflavoured with mint or as original unflavoured (comes with a separate mint sachet to suit personal taste)."

--Packaging--
Has a stylish appearance and the screw-top cap closes securely. Overall a practical and not too cumbersome part of your dental care arsenal. We were sent the 250ml version for free by Ultradex's PR, and this size is convenient for travelling (although a 100ml size, to comply with airlines' hand baggage requirements, would be even better).

--Usage--
Easy to use - just slosh around in your mouth for 15-30 seconds after cleaning your teeth, before spitting it out.

--Appearance--
A slightly foamy, clear-coloured liquid that leaves no visible residue on the teeth.

--Scent and taste--
Has a neutral scent and taste that is not too strong, giving a refreshing light mint flavour. However, you still couldn't say it has a natural mint taste exactly.

--Consistency--
A watery consistency that foams a little in the mouth. However, towards the end of the bottle, the texture of the mouthwash got thicker and grittier, which made it less pleasant to use and would indicate that you need to shake the bottle before each use.

--Effects on the mouth--
Freshens breath as promised, putting the 12-hour claim to the test favourably. There have also been no tooth or gum problems while using the product. Whitening effects, however, were not noticeable.

--Value for money--
While this product works well, other brands are preferable due to a greater consistency of texture. At around £5 for 250ml and around £8 for 500ml, this mouthwash is also marginally more expensive than other commercial brands, so you would really need to like it in order to purchase it regularly over others.

perfect partners
Low Abrasion Toothpaste, £6.10 for 75ml
Wire-Free Interdental Brushes, £4.99 for 30
Fresh Breath Oral Spray, £3.05 for 9ml

Ultradex Low Abrasion Toothpaste

RRP: £6.10/75ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Clinically proven formula that delivers exceptional oral care, whitening and fresh breath confidence. The intelligent iQ+ ActiveOxi Technology™ within UltraDEX works with your natural oral pH level to release the appropriate amount of active ingredient to meet the individual needs of your mouth.

• Clinically proven to whiten teeth within 14 days by gently oxidising organic stains to reveal the true brightness of your teeth

• Clinically proven to prevent bad breath by eliminating, not simply masking, odour-causing Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC)

• Anti-bacterial action. Kills bacteria that, without the correct preventative measures, can cause gum problems, tooth decay & plaque. Bacteria cannot become resistant to UltraDEX and regrowth is inhibited.

• 100% free from harsh abrasives with a low Relative Dental Abrasivity* (RDA) of only 53

• 100% free from Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and non-foaming to enable longer brushing time. [...]

• Clean, fresh mint taste."

--Packaging--

 The white and blue theme is not uncommon in the toothpaste market, so unfortunately nothing here will be making this tube stand out on the shelf. The squeezy screw-top tube operates in the same way as any other.

--Usage--

Pop a pea-sized amount onto a toothbrush and clean your teeth as normal. Nothing tricky here.

--Appearance--

Again, all very ordinary; white with no visible grains or streaks.

--Scent and taste--

Very minty - nothing weird here as with some toothpastes for sensitive teeth.

--Texture and consistency--

There's not as much foam as you'd ordinarily be used to, but now I find that normal toothpastes create too much lather by comparison, so it's clearly just a matter of habit.

--Effects on the teeth--

Teeth are left feeling squeaky clean and stains are gradually buffed away, improving tooth appearance noticeably - although perhaps not within 14 days.

--Value for money--

There are clearly positive results and one tube lasts ages. To pay over £6 for a tube of toothpaste therefore still seems extortionate in some respects - this is three times what most households usually pay. However, it's less than the cost of a scale and polish at the dentist, and less too than some specialist whitening toothpaste brands, such as Blanx. I would consider replenishing stocks once my free PR sample runs out, but perhaps just for use as a once-a-week treatment rather than for everyday use, as the price is prohibitive otherwise.

perfect partners

Anti-Bacterial Coated Interdental Tape, £3.49/25m

Wire Free Interdental Brushes, £5.49/30

Daily Oral Rinse, £8.15/500ml