Fluoride-containing toothpastes available in two European countries

The caries-preventive effect of fluoride is well known. The widespread use of fluoride-containing toothpastes and mouthrinses has been recommended to reduce dental caries. Many kinds of fluoride-containing toothpastes are available in Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of fluoride-containing toothpastes on the market in two European countries. Fluoride-containing toothpastes were purchased from retail outlets in Cardiff, United Kingdom, and Frankfurt, Germany. The ingredients labels were studied to determine the type and concentration of fluoride. Most of the toothpastes contained sodium fluoride (56.4%); some contained monofluoroacetic sodium (31.7%), stearyl trihydroxyethyl propylenediamine dihydrofluoride (1.0%), aluminium fluoride (1.0%), stannous fluoride (2.0%), or amine fluoride (5.0%). The concentration of fluoride in these products ranged from 800 to 1,500 ppm.