[Evaluation of commercially available fluoride containing toothpastes].

The role of fluorides in caries prevention has been well established in the epidemiological studies of fluoridated areas. Without water fluoridation, dentists in Taiwan face the challenge to optimize the use of other forms of fluoride products to reduce caries incidence. Toothpaste containing fluoride constitutes an effective and practical way of exposing teeth to fluoride on a regular basis. The present study evaluated 62 commercially available toothpaste products, of which 35 lacked a proper Chinese label and product information. Forty-one products contained fluorides which were sodium fluoride and/or sodium monofluorophosphate. Half of the children's toothpastes did not contain fluoride. The statement of CNS 439 only indicated that the fluoride concentration of the toothpaste was below 1000 ppm. More information about type of fluoride and its concentration must be provided for the user or dental professionals to make a proper selection. Parental supervision of their children's toothbrushing needs to be reinforced. Certain products used for dental hypersensitivity contained high concentrations of fluoride. Young children must be guarded from accidentally ingesting an overdose of fluoride.