Toothpaste fluoride level, not price, is the key to dental health

Dental expert Caroline Robins of Kiwi Dental told listeners on The Claire Byrne Show that the most important factor when choosing toothpaste is the fluoride concentration, not the price.

Robins explained that consumers should look for “1450 ppmf” – 1450 parts per million fluoride – on the tube, describing it as the “gold number” for effective tooth protection. She added that this level is suitable for children from the age of two and is commonly found in most children’s toothpaste.

She emphasized that the cost of the product, whether a euro from a discount retailer or €50 for a premium brand promoted by influencers, makes no difference to its effectiveness as long as the fluoride level is correct.

In response to a listener’s concern about their children’s plaque build‑up despite regular brushing with electric toothbrushes, Robins noted that some children may need assistance with technique. She advised that children up to about eight or nine years old often require parental help to ensure the brush reaches each tooth and the gum line, especially with electric brushes that require a different handling method.

Robins concluded that proper brushing technique and the right fluoride level are the primary factors in maintaining healthy teeth.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Terrance Barksdale / Pexels.