Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Impact of Common Fruit Juices and Toothbrushing on the Discoloration of Primary Teeth
Published on: March 27, 2026
Development of a standardized method for comparing fluoride ingested from toothpaste by 1.5-3.5-year-old children in
Judith A Cochran1, Clare E Ketley, Ralph M Duckworth
1Oral Health Services Research Centre, University College Cork, Ireland.
Insights
Fluoride ingestion from toothpaste varies widely in young children across Europe, with amounts ranging from 0.01 to 0.04 mg/kg/day. This variability highlights the need for clearer public health guidance on appropriate toothpaste use for children to prevent potential dental fluorosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health Nutrition
- Fluoride Toxicology
Background:
- Accurate measurement of fluoride ingestion in young children is crucial for assessing potential health risks.
- Previous studies have indicated variability in toothpaste use and fluoride exposure among different populations.
- Establishing standardized methods is essential for reliable cross-European comparisons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize a method for measuring fluoride ingestion from toothpaste in children aged 1.5 to 3.5 years.
- To apply this standardized method across seven European study sites.
- To identify factors influencing fluoride intake from toothpaste in young children.
Main Methods:
- A standardized home-visit protocol was used to collect data on toothpaste use and brushing habits.
- Fluoride dispensed and recovered from toothbrushes was measured to determine ingested amounts.
- Laboratory analysis quantified the fluoride concentration in children's usual toothpaste brands.
Main Results:
- Significant inter-country variations were observed in toothpaste types, application amounts, and fluoride ingestion levels.
- Estimated daily fluoride ingestion ranged from 0.01 to 0.04 mg per kg of body weight.
- Individual fluoride intake varied considerably even within the same country.
Conclusions:
- The ingested fluoride amounts, while variable, present an equivocal risk for dental fluorosis development.
- Wide geographical disparities in fluoride ingestion underscore the need for consistent public health messaging.
- Clearer guidelines are recommended for parents on the safe and effective use of fluoridated toothpaste for young children.
Objectives:
To develop a standardized method for measuring the variables affecting fluoride ingestion from toothpaste in young children between the ages of 1.5 and 3.5 years, and to use the method at seven European sites.
Methods:
Random samples of children were invited to take part in the study. Parents who gave consent were visited at home. The children brushed their teeth using the toothpaste brand and toothbrush type currently in use. The difference between the fluoride dispensed onto the toothbrush and the fluoride recovered after accounting for losses was deemed to be the fluoride ingested. Details of other oral health-care habits were collected by questionnaire. For each child, the fluoride concentration of the toothpaste used was measured in the laboratory, from which an estimate of total daily fluoride ingestion was made.
Results:
There was considerable variation between countries in the types of toothpaste used and in the amounts of toothpaste applied and ingested. The amount of fluoride ingested ranged from 0.01 to 0.04 mg fluoride per kg of body weight per day.
Conclusion:
The amount of fluoride ingested that is likely to be a risk factor for the development of dental fluorosis during tooth formation is equivocal and was found to vary widely between European countries. There appears to be a need for clearer health messages regarding the use of fluoridated toothpaste by young children.
