What is ACT Total Care? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Sep 24, 2021

ACT Total Care overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Act Anticavity, Act Kids, Act Braces Care, Act Restoring, Act Total Care, Aquafresh, Aquafresh Cavity Protection, Act Total Care Dry Mouth, Aquafresh Extra Fresh Whitening, Act Total Care Sensitive, Aquafresh Extreme Clean, Anticavity Fluoride Rinse, Aquafresh Iso-Active Whitening Deep Impact, Fluorabon, Aquafresh Iso-Active Whitening Fresh Impact, Fluor-A-Day, Aquafresh Iso-Active Whitening Lasting Impact, Fluoritab, Aquafresh White & Shine, Flura-Drops, Aquafresh Whitening, Listerine HealthyWhite, Biotene Fluoride Toothpaste, Listerine Naturals Enamel Repair, Clinpro 5000, Listerine Smart Rinse

Generic Names:

  • Act Anticavity Fluoride Rinse

Uses:

  • Helps develop healthy teeth and prevents cavities., Helps develop healthy teeth and prevent cavities.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Cariostatic, Dentifrice, Fluoride Supplement, Protectant, Dental

Forms:

  • Liquid, Chewable Tablet, Gel/Jelly, Lozenge, Paste, Cream

How it’s taken:

  • For the teeth or gums, By mouth

What is ACT Total Care used for?

What form(s) does ACT Total Care come in?

  • Liquid

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Lozenge

  • Paste

  • Cream

What are common ACT Total Care dosages?

  • Bottle 1000ML of 0.05%

How to take ACT Total Care

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Chew or crush the chewable tablet before swallowing. Take this medicine at bedtime after brushing your teeth.

  • Do not swallow this medicine. It is for topical use on your teeth only.

  • To use the oral liquid, squeeze the right number of drops into the mouth using the dropper. Or you can mix the medicine with juice or food (but not dairy foods such as ice cream or yogurt).

  • Different forms of this medicine are used in different ways. Make sure you follow your health caregivers instructions. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use this medicine.

  • To use the gel: Brush your teeth with toothpaste and rinse as usual. Apply a thin layer of gel to your teeth with a toothbrush or mouth tray once a day for at least 1 minute. Spit out the gel. For best results, apply at bedtime and do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes.

  • To use the cream: Use this medicine instead of your regular toothpaste once a day. Apply a thin layer of cream to your toothbrush and brush for 2 minutes. Spit out the cream. For best results, apply at bedtime and do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes.

  • Some liquid brands of this medicine must be diluted with water before using. Follow the directions on the package.

What to do if you miss a dose of ACT Total Care

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

ACT Total Care contraindications - Who shouldn't take ACT Total Care?

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fluoride. Do not use on a child under 6 years old unless your doctor tells you to.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fluoride.

ACT Total Care warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods, preservatives, or dyes.

  • If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Too much fluoride can cause white patches or stains on your teeth. If this happens, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.

  • Too much fluoride can cause white patches or yellow or brown spots on the teeth. If this happens, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.

  • If this medicine is being used by a child, an adult should watch the child and make sure they do not swallow the medicine. If they swallow too much of the medicine, it can cause fluoride toxicity. Ask your health caregiver if you have questions or concerns about this.

  • You should not use this medicine more often or in larger amounts than your doctor ordered.

  • Sores on mouth or lips.

ACT Total Care interactions & what to avoid when taking ACT Total Care

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any foods, preservatives, or dyes.

  • You should not use calcium pills or foods rich in calcium (like milk, cheese, or yogurt) within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine.

  • Too much fluoride can cause white patches or stains on your teeth. If this happens, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.

  • Too much fluoride can cause white patches or yellow or brown spots on the teeth. If this happens, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.

  • If this medicine is being used by a child, an adult should watch the child and make sure they do not swallow the medicine. If they swallow too much of the medicine, it can cause fluoride toxicity. Ask your health caregiver if you have questions or concerns about this.

  • You should not use this medicine more often or in larger amounts than your doctor ordered.

ACT Total Care side effects - How does ACT Total Care make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Burning in your mouth, sore tongue.

  • Black, tarry, or bloody stools or bloody vomit.

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

  • Painful or aching bones.

  • Vomiting blood.

  • Skin rash.

  • Sores on mouth or lips.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Drooling or more saliva than usual.

  • Acne-like skin changes.

  • Stomach cramps.

  • Stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting.

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