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Fluoride toothpaste was introduced more than half a century ago and remains one of the most widely used and well-established tools for preventing cavities. Extensive scientific research and clinical trials continually validate its safety and efficacy. Although one of the most trusted active ingredients in oral care, fluoride is still often misunderstood. We spoke with Colgate-Palmolive’s team of experts to discuss what the science actually shows.
What the evidence shows | Duration 3m
How did fluoride wind up in toothpaste? | Duration 3m
Guidance for adults and children | Duration 6m
Brushing routines for the entire family | Duration 3m
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, found in water, soil and rocks.
Fluoride toothpaste was introduced in the 1950s and remains one of the most widely used and well-established tools for preventing cavities. Currently, fluoride is the only active ingredient the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes for preventing cavities.
Fluoride helps fight cavities in three distinct ways:
It enhances remineralization, helping repair weakened areas of enamel.
It slows demineralization and helps make the repaired enamel more resistant to future acid attacks by bacteria.
It interferes with bacterial metabolism, reducing the bacteria’s ability to produce cavity-causing acids.
Bacteria live in plaque, a sticky biofilm found on the surfaces of your teeth. When you consume fermentable carbohydrates - especially sugars - bacteria in the plaque produce acids which pull minerals from the tooth, in a process called demineralization. But mineral loss isn't always permanent. Throughout the day, your tooth surfaces move between periods of mineral loss and mineral repair. Minerals in your saliva can help repair weakened areas of tooth enamel, which is the hard outer shell of your tooth. Weakened areas of enamel can rebuild itself through a process called remineralization. With repeated acid attacks causing demineralization and insufficient remineralization, the weakened surface of the tooth can eventually break down, creating a hole in the tooth often called a cavity.
Yes, fluoride toothpaste is safe when used as directed. In the United States, fluoride toothpaste is regulated as a drug under the Food and Drug Administration's Over-the-Counter Monograph for Anti-Caries Drug Products. Colgate's anticavity toothpastes in the U.S. contain about 1,100 parts per million fluoride, consistent with FDA requirements based on decades of safety and efficacy research.
Our toothpaste is designed for brushing and should not be swallowed. While small amounts accidentally swallowed during brushing are generally not harmful, it's best to spit out the toothpaste as is recommended. For young children under six, keep toothpaste out of reach; and supervise their brushing to ensure they use the right amount of toothpaste and don't swallow the toothpaste. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Yes, fluoride toothpaste is safe for children when used as directed.
For children under two: Ask a dentist or doctor before use. At that age, the right answer depends on the child.
Ages two to six: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, brushing twice a day, with an adult supervising.
Six and up: Brush teeth thoroughly for two minutes, preferably after each meal or at least twice a day, or as directed by a dentist or a physician.
Parents should supervise young children while brushing to ensure they use the right amount and spit out the toothpaste.
While accidentally swallowing small amounts of toothpaste during brushing is generally not harmful, toothpaste is designed for brushing and should be spit out. However, if a child gets ahold of the tube and swallows a large amount, you should follow the label instructions by getting medical help or contacting a Poison Control Center right away.
Fluoride in toothpaste is not toxic when used as directed. Safety concerns generally only apply to large, ongoing exposure to industrial quantities, which is far beyond the amount found in a tube of toothpaste.
Last Updated: October 2026
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