How to Choose the Right Toothpaste for You and Your Family

To choose the right toothpaste, start with fluoride: most adults should use a toothpaste containing around 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride, then pick any extra feature, such as sensitivity relief or stain removal, according to your own needs. Reading the ingredients is far more useful than reading the marketing claims on the box.

Toothpaste alone does not guarantee a healthy mouth, but the right one makes a real difference to your protection against decay. Below we explain the main types and who each is suited to.

Why fluoride matters

Fluoride makes enamel more resistant to acid attack and helps early areas of decay to remineralise. The benefit of fluoride toothpaste in reducing tooth decay is supported by decades of research.

Fluoride content is usually shown on the tube in ppm (parts per million). For patients at high risk of decay, a dentist may prescribe a higher-strength fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride-free or purely herbal toothpastes do not offer the same protection against cavities.

Do whitening toothpastes work?

Whitening toothpastes mainly reduce surface stains from tea, coffee, red wine or smoking, using mild abrasives or certain chemical agents. They do not change the natural shade of your teeth by several tones; that requires professional teeth whitening.

Highly abrasive products used over a long period can contribute to sensitivity. If you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth, it is worth having an examination first to understand the cause of the discolouration and discuss suitable whitening options.

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

If you feel short, sharp twinges with cold, hot or sweet foods, a sensitivity toothpaste may help. These typically contain potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride or arginine.

It can take a few weeks of regular use before you notice a difference. Gently rubbing a little toothpaste onto the sensitive area after brushing can also help. If sensitivity persists, see a dentist to rule out causes such as decay, a broken filling or gum recession.

Choosing toothpaste for children

Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children too; what matters is using the right amount. An adult should supervise brushing so the toothpaste is not swallowed.

• From the first tooth to age 3: a smear, about the size of a grain of rice, of toothpaste with at least 1,000 ppm fluoride.
• Ages 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with 1,000 to 1,450 ppm fluoride.
• Age 7 and over: a pea-sized amount of adult-strength toothpaste, around 1,350 to 1,500 ppm.
• Teach children to spit out after brushing rather than rinsing with lots of water.
• An adult should brush or check a child's brushing until around the age of 7 or 8.

Practical tips for choosing toothpaste

An expensive tube or bold claims do not necessarily mean a better product. Identify your main need and choose the ingredients accordingly.

• Check the fluoride content on the label.
• If you have gum problems, ask your dentist about stannous fluoride or antibacterial formulas.
• If you suffer from a dry mouth, a toothpaste free from sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) may feel more comfortable.
• Use whitening toothpastes in moderation, perhaps alternating with a standard one.
• A pea-sized amount is enough; more toothpaste does not mean better cleaning.