To choose a toothpaste, start with fluoride: for adults, a toothpaste with about 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride protects best against decay. Then pick a formula for your main need, such as sensitive teeth, gum care or stain removal. Children need fluoride too, in a smaller amount. Charcoal and very abrasive pastes are best avoided, and how you brush matters as much as the paste.
Fluoride: the ingredient that matters most
Fluoride strengthens enamel, helps repair early decay and makes teeth more resistant to acid. It is the single most important ingredient in toothpaste. Check the label for the fluoride content, usually written in ppm (parts per million) or as a percentage of sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate or stannous fluoride.
- Adults and children over about 6: around 1,350 to 1,500 ppm
- Children under 6: a toothpaste with at least 1,000 ppm, used in a very small amount (see below)
- People at high risk of decay may be prescribed a higher-fluoride toothpaste by their dentist
After brushing, spit out the excess but do not rinse with water, so fluoride stays on the teeth longer. Our guide on brushing your teeth correctly explains the technique.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Toothpastes for sensitivity contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate, which calms the nerve response, or stannous fluoride and arginine, which block the tiny channels in exposed dentine. They take a few weeks of regular use to work fully. Applying a small amount to sensitive areas with a fingertip at night can help.
Sensitivity can also be a sign of decay, a crack, gum recession or worn enamel, so persistent sensitivity should be checked. Our article on tooth sensitivity to cold and heat explains the causes.
Toothpaste for gums
Bleeding gums are caused mainly by plaque. Some toothpastes, especially those with stannous fluoride, help reduce gum inflammation alongside good cleaning. No toothpaste can treat established gum disease on its own: professional cleaning and cleaning between the teeth are essential.
Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes mostly remove surface stains through mild abrasives or stain-loosening agents. They can make teeth look brighter but do not change their natural internal colour. Choose one that also contains fluoride and is not overly abrasive, especially if you have exposed roots.
Charcoal, “natural” and fluoride-free toothpastes
- Charcoal toothpastes are often very abrasive and many contain little or no fluoride. There is no reliable evidence that they whiten safely.
- “Natural” or herbal toothpastes vary widely; check whether they contain fluoride.
- Fluoride-free toothpastes do not protect against decay in the same way. If you choose one, discuss your decay risk with your dentist.
Choosing a toothpaste for children
| Age | Fluoride | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 years | At least 1,000 ppm | A smear, the size of a grain of rice |
| 3 to 6 years | 1,000 to 1,500 ppm | A pea-sized amount |
| Over 6 years | 1,350 to 1,500 ppm | A pea-sized amount |
Supervise brushing so children spit out and do not swallow the toothpaste, and help them until they can brush well on their own, usually around 7 or 8. Our article on fluoride and fissure sealants for children explains how fluoride protects young teeth.
What else to look for
- A taste you like, so you brush for the full two minutes
- A low-abrasion formula if you have gum recession, sensitivity or composite veneers
- Products from a reliable pharmacy, especially for children
- A toothpaste your dentist recommends for your specific situation
Advice on oral care at Ajam Dental Clinic, Tripoli
At Ajam Dental Clinic, Fouad Chehab Boulevard, Al-Makateb Building, 1st floor, Tripoli, we give practical advice on toothpaste, brushes and cleaning between the teeth during check-ups, adapted to adults and children. Learn about our preventive care and contact us by WhatsApp or phone to book a check-up.
Frequently asked questions
Which toothpaste is best?
There is no single best toothpaste for everyone. A good choice for most adults contains about 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride, is not overly abrasive and addresses your main need, such as sensitivity or gum health. Your dentist can recommend a specific type based on your teeth.
Is it bad to swallow toothpaste?
Swallowing a little occasionally is not harmful for adults, but toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed. In young children, swallowing large amounts regularly over time can cause white marks on the developing permanent teeth (fluorosis), which is why small amounts and supervision are important.
How long does a sensitive-teeth toothpaste take to work?
Many people notice an improvement within two to four weeks of brushing with it twice a day. Using it consistently is important, as the effect fades if you stop. If sensitivity does not improve, see a dentist to rule out decay, cracks or gum recession.
Should I change toothpaste regularly?
There is no need to rotate toothpastes. Keep using a fluoride toothpaste that suits your needs. Change if your situation changes, for example if you develop sensitivity, gum problems or a higher risk of decay, ideally after discussing it with your dentist.
Is mouthwash a substitute for toothpaste?
No. Mouthwash does not remove plaque and cannot replace brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. If you use a mouthwash, do so at a different time from brushing, so it does not wash away the fluoride left on your teeth.
Have a question about your teeth?
Send a WhatsApp message to Dr. Abdel Rahman Ajam or Dr. Soumaya Ajam, or call the clinic to book a consultation.
This article provides general information for patients. It does not replace an examination by a dentist, who can advise you on your own situation.
