Ingredient guide ›

Sodium Fluoride

The cavity fighter.

What it does

Fluoride in toothpaste. It strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.

Good to know

Reviews of many studies show fluoride toothpaste helps prevent cavities. For kids 6 and under, dentists advise a pea-sized amount and supervised brushing.

Often found in: Toothpastes, Whitening toothpastes, Mouthwashes

Around the world

• United States: Sold as an over-the-counter drug. Toothpaste must have 850 to 1,150 ppm fluoride. Source
• EU and UK: Oral products only, max 0.15% fluoride. Toothpaste with 0.1-0.15% must say to use a pea-sized amount for children 6 and under. Source
• Canada: Not allowed in oral products sold as cosmetics. Source
• Australia: Toothpaste up to 1,500 mg/kg fluoride needs no controls. Above 1,000 mg/kg it must say "Do not swallow" and not for children 6 or under. Source

Sources

• Caries-preventive effect of fluoride toothpaste: a systematic review (Acta Odontol Scand, 2003) (Independent)
• Fluoride toothpaste efficacy and safety in children younger than 6 years: a systematic review (J Am Dent Assoc, 2014) (Medical)