Toothpaste helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and your mouth feeling fresh.
Brushing alone removes plaque, but toothpaste adds extra protection and benefits.
Why toothpaste matters
Most toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps:
- Strengthen tooth enamel.
- Protect against tooth decay.
Other ingredients help to:
- Remove plaque and food debris.
- Freshen breath.
- Remove surface stains.
What is in toothpaste?
Toothpaste usually contains:
- Fluoride: Strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.
- Cleaning agents and mild abrasives: Help clean teeth and remove stains without damaging enamel.
- Flavourings and sweeteners: Make toothpaste taste pleasant.
- Foaming agents: Help spread the toothpaste around the mouth.
How much toothpaste should I use?
- Children under 3 years: use a smear of toothpaste.
- Children over 3 and adults: use a pea-sized amount.
After brushing, spit out but do not rinse with water. This keeps fluoride on your teeth for longer.
How much fluoride should toothpaste contain?
- Under 3 years: at least 1000ppm fluoride.
- Over 3 years and adults: 1350–1500ppm fluoride.
If you are at higher risk of tooth decay, your dentist may prescribe a toothpaste with more fluoride.
Types of toothpaste
There are different toothpastes for different needs:
- Sensitive teeth: Help reduce pain from hot, cold or sweet foods. Work by blocking tiny channels in the teeth.
- Gum health: Contain ingredients to help reduce plaque bacteria and bleeding gums.
- Tartar control: Help reduce the build-up of hardened plaque (tartar).
- Whitening: Remove surface stains. Do not change the natural colour of teeth.
- Total care: Combine several benefits in one toothpaste.
How do I choose the right toothpaste?
Check the packaging to see:
- If it contains fluoride.
- Who it is suitable for (age group).
- What problem it is designed to help with.
Your dentist or hygienist can recommend the best toothpaste for you.
Published:
8th April, 2026
Author:
Sophie Turner
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Toothpaste
