What Are the Main Ingredients in Toothpaste?

WE’VE ALL HEARD of the active ingredient in toothpaste: fluoride. It supplies tooth enamel with important minerals to keep it strong and it protects against tooth decay. It’s the one ingredient toothpaste must contain to earn the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. But what else is in toothpaste?

Other Active Ingredients

1. Mild abrasive ingredients help scrub the surfaces of our teeth clean as we brush (and it doesn’t take more than a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing to get the job done).

2. Foaming detergents help the toothpaste reach every tooth. (Fun fact: the foam is why actors rarely use toothpaste when they brush their teeth onscreen. It’s too messy for TV!)

Inactive Ingredients

1. Humectants keep toothpaste from drying out, so that it can come out of the tube in a smooth piece.

2. Flavoring and sweeteners make toothpaste taste good, but they can’t include actual sugar and still get the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Toothpaste for adults is usually a strong, minty flavor, but that can be overpowering for kids, which is why theirs often tastes like fruit or candy.

Toothpaste for Kids

All of the top recommended toothpastes for kids contain fluoride, and it’s safe when used in the correct amounts. That means a smear no bigger than a grain of rice for toddlers and a glob the size of a pea for kids aged 3-6. Parents should also supervise their kids and encourage them to spit instead of swallow.

We Can Help You Find the Right Toothpaste

With so many toothpaste options to choose from, what’s the best toothpaste for your child? The next time we see you, we’d be happy to make a recommendation. We look forward to your child’s next dental checkup at our practice!

Thank you for being part of our practice family!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.