How Much Fluoride Is in Toothpaste? A Brand-by-Brand Breakdown

Fluoride in toothpaste is almost always declared in one of two ways:

• ppm F- (parts per million of fluoride ion) common on UK/EU packs (e.g., “1450 ppm fluoride”).
• % of a fluoride compound common on US Drug Facts labels (e.g., “0.243% sodium fluoride”), sometimes paired with “0.15% w/v fluoride ion”.

In everyday terms, 1,000 ppm = 0.10% fluoride ion. So when a US label says “0.15% w/v fluoride ion,” that equals 1,500 ppm F-—but in the US this statement is paired with a specific fluoride compound percentage such that the effective fluoride ion delivered in dentifrices is ~1,100 ppm for adult over-the-counter products (see below). Crest, for instance, explains that its 0.243% sodium fluoride pastes deliver ~1,100 ppm fluoride ion, and its 0.454% stannous fluoride formulas are designed to deliver the same fluoride-ion level.

Regulatory monographs set the allowed ranges:

• United States (FDA OTC Monograph for anticaries products): adult gel/paste dentifrices use sodium fluoride (NaF) 0.188–0.254% or sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) 0.654–0.884%, yielding ~850–1,150 ppm fluoride in gels/pastes. In practice, most adult US pastes contain ~1,000–1,100 ppm.
• UK/EU guidance (NHS/Department of Health): adults are advised to use 1,350–1,500 ppm fluoride toothpaste; children’s recommendations vary by age and caries risk. High-fluoride pastes 2,800 ppm and 5,000 ppm are prescription-only for patients at elevated risk.

Bottom line: UK/EU adult toothpastes commonly list 1450 ppm F-, while US adult toothpastes commonly list 0.243% NaF or similar, which corresponds to ~1,100 ppm F-. Always check the pack; formulas vary by region.

Fluoride compounds you’ll see

• Sodium fluoride (NaF): Delivers fluoride ions directly; widely used in US and EU. Typical adult pastes: ~1,100 ppm (US) or 1,450 ppm (UK/EU).
• Sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP): Common in some whitening/enamel products; typical adult pastes at ~1,000–1,450 ppm depending on market.
• Stannous fluoride (SnF₂): Delivers fluoride ions and tin (II), which can add anti-gingivitis and anti-erosion benefits. Crest notes its 0.454% SnF₂ formulas still deliver ~1,100 ppm fluoride ion (US). UK/EU stannous formulations are commonly 1450 ppm.
• Amine fluoride (AmF): Popular in certain EU brands (e.g., Elmex) at about 1400 ppm.

Brand-by-brand snapshots (representative examples)

Below are illustrative fluoride amounts from popular products. Always verify your exact region and variant—manufacturers frequently adjust formulas.

Colgate (UK)

• Colgate Total Active Prevention (Original / Enamel Strength / Deep Clean / Whitening): lists “Total Fluoride: 1450 ppm” with sodium fluoride + stannous fluoride. Multiple listings confirm 1450 ppm across these variants.
• Colgate Kids (7–12 years) Total Active Prevention Mild Mint: also lists 1450 ppm total fluoride (UK labelling often uses family strength for older kids; dosing is about a pea-sized smear).
• Colgate Duraphat 5000 (prescription only): 5,000 ppm fluoride (for high-risk patients under professional guidance).

Colgate (US)

Common “Cavity Protection,” “Total,” and many whitening variants use NaF or SMFP within the FDA monograph, typically delivering ~1,100 ppm F- in gels/pastes (check the US Drug Facts panel for 0.243% NaF or 0.76% SMFP, etc.). (Representative monograph range cited.)

Crest (US)

• Crest Cavity Protection (Regular): 0.243% sodium fluoride (0.15% w/v fluoride ion) on Drug Facts; corresponds to ~1,100 ppm fluoride ion in practice.
• Crest Pro-Health (stannous fluoride line): uses 0.454% stannous fluoride, formulated to deliver ~1,100 ppm fluoride ion, same as standard NaF Crest versions.

Oral-B (UK/EU)

Oral-B’s UK shop pages don’t consistently show ppm on the category list, but UK/EU adult pastes (Pro-Expert/Clinical lines) typically align with 1450 ppm fluoride (SnF₂ or NaF depending on variant). Check the specific pack; UK/EU adult dentifrices almost always declare 1450 ppm F- when they carry a cavity-protection claim. (Product index shown; check tube for ppm.)

Sensodyne / Pronamel (UK)

• Pronamel Daily Protection: Sodium Fluoride 0.315% w/w (1450 ppm Fluoride).
• Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair (Extra Fresh): 0.315% NaF (1450 ppm).
• (Other Sensodyne lines vary by active; many UK Sensodyne products targeting sensitivity still deliver 1450 ppm fluoride for caries protection—check the individual tube.)

Sensodyne (US)

US Sensodyne variants generally use NaF at levels consistent with the FDA monograph (≈1,100 ppm F-). Always check the Drug Facts panel for the precise % NaF.

Elmex (EU)

Elmex Caries Protection (AmF): Amine fluoride formulation; retailer and brand pages indicate ~1400 ppm (typical EU strength). Verify on the specific tube (often listed as “1400 ppm F-”).

Aquafresh (UK)

Aquafresh doesn’t always print ppm on the landing pages, but UK adult Aquafresh variants typically sit at 1450 ppm; kids’ pastes use age-appropriate fluoride. The Aquafresh Advance (9–12 years) page notes “age-appropriate fluoride level” (the pack itself typically carries the ppm).

Regenerate (UK)

Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste: lists Sodium Monofluorophosphate (1450 ppm fluoride).

High-fluoride (UK prescriptions and pharmacy channels)

2,800 ppm and 5,000 ppm pastes are used for patients at high caries risk (e.g., Colgate Duraphat 2800/5000; some generic “Fluoride Toothpaste 5000 ppm” products exist via pharmacies after an online screening). Use only on professional advice.

Quick reference tables

These tables summarize representative products and the fluoride amounts cited on manufacturer/retail labels. Always confirm your region and the exact variant.

UK/EU examples (adult unless noted)

US examples (adult unless noted)

Tip: On a US Drug Facts panel, look for the active ingredient and percentage (e.g., NaF 0.243%). On a UK/EU tube, look for “ppm fluoride” (e.g., 1450 ppm). If both are present, ppm is the easiest way to compare like-for-like.

Age and risk based guidance (why the “right” ppm matters)

Public guidance varies, but widely cited UK NHS advice is:

• Adults: choose 1,350–1,500 ppm fluoride toothpaste.
• Children: all ages can use family toothpaste as long as it contains 1,350–1,500 ppm and is used as a smear/pea-sized amount with supervision; for children 3 and under who don’t have tooth decay, a lower-strength paste (≥ 1,000 ppm) is acceptable. Follow your dentist’s advice if your child is at higher risk.
• High-risk patients: dentists may prescribe 2,800 ppm (≥10 years old) or 5,000 ppm pastes short- or long-term depending on risk factors.

In the US, the FDA OTC monograph governs what can be sold over the counter (generally ~1,000–1,100 ppm in gels/pastes). Higher-strength pastes aren’t marketed OTC in the same way; fluoride varnishes and prescription modalities are used under dental supervision.

Common questions

1) Is more fluoride always better?

Not exactly. Within normal OTC ranges, higher ppm tends to be more protective against caries when used correctly, which is why UK guidance favors 1,350–1,500 ppm for adults. But use matters (twice daily, spit, don’t rinse vigorously) and risk matters—very high strengths (2,800 or 5,000 ppm) are reserved for those who need them, under professional advice.

2) Do different compounds (NaF vs SMFP vs SnF₂ vs AmF) change ppm needs?

All deliver fluoride ions that help remineralize enamel. At similar ppm, caries protection is broadly comparable, though stannous fluoride adds benefits against gingivitis/erosion, and amine fluoride (Elmex) is popular in the EU. Choose based on your dental needs (sensitivity, gum health, enamel erosion) and confirm the fluoride level.

3) Why does my US tube say “0.243% sodium fluoride (0.15% w/v fluoride ion)”—isn’t 0.15% 1,500 ppm?

Good catch. The Drug Facts statement includes a theoretical fluoride ion percentage, but under the dentifrice monograph, the effective fluoride content delivered in gels/pastes is controlled to ~850–1,150 ppm. Crest clarifies their NaF and SnF₂ formulas both deliver ~1,100 ppm F-. In short: in the US, assume adult pastes are around 1,100 ppm unless otherwise specified.

4) Kids’ toothpaste: what ppm should I pick?

Follow local guidance and your dentist’s advice. UK NHS suggests ≥1,000 ppm for very young children without decay, and 1,350–1,500 ppm otherwise, using a tiny smear (under 3) or pea-sized amount (3–6), with supervision. Many UK “kids 6+ or 7–12” pastes are 1450 ppm; the key is dose and supervision.

5) Sensitive-teeth formulas—do they skimp on fluoride?

Most do not. Many Sensodyne/Pronamel UK variants carry 1450 ppm; US sensitivity pastes typically align with ~1,100 ppm (NaF). Check the label—some specialty lines focus more on desensitizing actives but still keep full-strength fluoride.

How to convert label info yourself

• If the label shows ppm (e.g., 1450 ppm): that’s your number.
• If the label shows % NaF: For common US strengths, 0.243% NaF → ~1,100 ppm F- in a paste/gel; 0.76% SMFP → similar fluoride ion range. These levels sit within FDA’s 850–1,150 ppm dentifrice range.
• If the label shows 0.15% w/v fluoride ion on a US product: the product is formulated within the monograph so the delivered fluoride is ~1,100 ppm. Use the brand’s Drug Facts or site FAQ to confirm.

Putting it together: what you’ll typically see on shelves

• UK/EU adults: the overwhelming majority of mainstream toothpastes—Colgate Total, Sensodyne/Pronamel, Oral-B Pro-Expert, Aquafresh adult lines, Regenerate—sit at ~1450 ppm F-. UK labels often print this prominently (“1450 ppm fluoride”). Kids’ pastes vary by age but many “6+/7–12” are also 1450 ppm with usage qualifiers.
• US adults: most mainstream pastes—Crest, Colgate, Sensodyne—list 0.243% NaF (or 0.454% SnF₂ for Crest Pro-Health) and deliver ~1,100 ppm F-. Look at the Drug Facts panel to confirm.
• High-fluoride pastes: 2,800 ppm and 5,000 ppm exist for patients with high caries risk under dental supervision (UK: Rx only).

Safety and good habits

Regardless of brand or ppm:

1. Brush twice daily, spit, and avoid vigorous rinsing right after brushing to maximize fluoride uptake.
2. Use the right amount: smear (under 3), pea-sized (3–6), ribbon for adults—your dentist may tailor advice.
3. Match risk to strength: everyday adults = 1,350–1,500 ppm (UK/EU) or ~1,100 ppm (US); consider higher-strength only with professional guidance.

Caveats when comparing brands

• Variants matter: “whitening,” “gum care,” or “sensitivity” versions can share a brand name but use different fluoride compounds (NaF vs SnF₂ vs SMFP) and supporting actives. Always check that exact variant’s ingredients and fluoride number. Example: Colgate Total Active Prevention uses a NaF + SnF₂ combo at 1450 ppm (UK).
• Retailer pages vs packs: Retailer listings are helpful but not perfect; the tube/box is definitive. Boots listings for multiple Colgate Total variants show “Total Fluoride: 1450 ppm.”
• Country differences: The same named product can carry different actives/ppm in the US vs UK/EU due to distinct regulations and brand strategies. The FDA monograph shapes US ranges; NHS guidance influences UK labelling conventions.

A quick “cheat sheet” for the most common labels

• 1450 ppm (UK/EU adult pastes like Colgate Total, Sensodyne/Pronamel, many Oral-B and Aquafresh variants): Right for most adults.
• ~1100 ppm (US adult pastes like Crest/Colgate/Sensodyne): Standard US adult strength. Look for 0.243% NaF or 0.454% SnF₂ on Drug Facts.
• 2800 ppm / 5000 ppm (UK prescriptions): High-risk situations only, per dentist.