Fluoride

Having strong, healthy teeth and gums is essential to people’s health and wellbeing. Regular brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride helps prevent cavities and improves oral hygiene.

Fluoride has been routinely added to toothpaste for more than a century, and millions use it safely every day.

In many countries, fluoride is added to drinking water to improve general dental health. More than 370 million people in over 27 countries receive the benefits of water fluoridation.

Your questions answered

Why does Unilever use fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash?

Fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash offers a safe, affordable and easy way to protect teeth against decay. We have been on a mission for more than 25 years to improve the oral health of people around the world and promote the importance of twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

Does too much fluoride damage teeth?

Children who consume excessive amounts of fluoride, at an early age while teeth are forming, may develop discolouration on their teeth, known as dental fluorosis. However, this usually occurs in countries with very high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water. The effects of dental fluorosis are generally cosmetic and not harmful to health.

Because toothpaste is not normally swallowed, there is low risk of it causing dental fluorosis. However, parents should supervise young children when they are brushing their teeth, to ensure a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is used and to prevent them swallowing it.

Does too much fluoride lead to health problems?

Health concerns relating to fluoride are primarily in connection with its use in drinking water, not in toothpaste. When swallowed, fluoride passes through the digestive system into the bloodstream and tends to accumulate in areas of the body that are high in calcium, such as bones and teeth.

Long-term exposure to very high levels of fluoride can cause a condition called skeletal fluorosis, which may eventually result in joint stiffness and pain, weak bones and fractures in older people. Skeletal fluorosis is relatively common in developing countries with very high levels of fluoride in drinking water. Scientific studies have found no link between fluoride and cancer.

What Unilever products contain fluoride?

All our toothpaste brands, including Signal, Pepsodent and Close Up, contain fluoride. It is referred to as sodium fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate in the ingredient list on the packaging.

How much fluoride is in Unilever products and is it safe?

The added level of fluoride in toothpaste is guided by the local regulation and may vary depending on the region. We also conduct our own safety assessments and monitor emerging scientific research to ensure our products are safe.