New research has found that child strength toothpastes containing phosphate salts reduce decay significantly in children under the age of 6 when compared to adult strength toothpaste, without increasing health risks.

The study by Freire et.al., published in the Journal of Dentistry last month, found that the amount of decay occurring in children using 500ppm (parts per million) fluoride toothpaste containing Sodium Trimetaphoshate was about 70% less than in those who used adult strength 1,100ppm fluoride toothpaste.

There has been concern recently among some dentists that child strength fluoride toothpaste is not strong enough to fight decay and consequently calls have been made for children to use adult strength toothpaste. However, this increases the toxicity risk in children from swallowing too much fluoride.

The new toothpastes used in this study have been formulated to be more effective at fighting tooth decay without increasing the fluoride strength.
“Children brushing with 500 ppm F toothpastes containing phosphate salts developed fewer caries lesions when compared with those using a 1100ppm F dentifrice.

The tested toothpastes can be regarded as a safe alternative to conventional formulations for children under 6 years of age, based on risk-benefit considerations”, the authors conclude.

The paper can be found online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2016.04.013

Print PDF