Does kid’s toothpaste contain more or less fluoride than adult toothpaste?

Thanks, Leslie

Dear Leslie,

Adult toothpaste sold in the United States that contain fluoride have about 1,100 to 1,450 parts per million (ppm) fluorides. Children’s toothpaste contains anywhere from 100 ppm to 1,400 ppm. Almost all toothpaste sold in stores nowadays contains some fluoride. There are some toothpastes that contain no fluoride and these are most likely to be found in health food stores. Since children are more likely to swallow toothpaste it’s recommended not to purchase fluoridated toothpaste for children less than two years of age unless the child is prone to tooth decay and it’s recommended by a dentist. If fluoride is ingested a child can become sick with an upset stomach as well as vomiting. After the age of two parents can start to purchase toothpaste with fluoride however make sure you watch your young child brush their teeth and at the same time make sure they are spit out the excess toothpaste and rinse with water afterwards.

If you are wanting to purchase a fluoridated toothpaste to fight in the prevention of tooth decay research suggest that toothpaste containing less than 1,000 ppm fluoride concentrations has the same effectiveness as toothpaste that contain no fluoride. Therefore in order to prevent cavities purchase toothpaste that has more than 1,000 ppm fluoride concentration levels.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist