Recent media coverage has focused attention on the safety of fluoride toothpastes, but the coverage has not revealed that the ADA limited the amount of fluoride allowed in ADA-Accepted toothpaste years ago for this reason. Use only a pea-sized amount for children under six. To prevent swallowing, children under six years of age should be supervised in the use of toothpaste. The new FDA labels are consistent with the ADA statements, with the exception of the poison control warning. The ADA warning labels were required to help reduce the risk of mild fluorosis, which is a cosmetic defect noticeable as very light spots on permanent teeth and develops only while the teeth are still forming.
Fluorosis only occurs when more than the optimal daily amount of fluoride is ingested.
Through its ADA Seal of Acceptance program , the toothpaste manufacturers must submit clinical data to the ADA in order to meet its guidelines on safety and effectiveness. Additionally, all products with the ADA Seal must submit the product's advertising and packaging for review so that consumers and dentists have assurance that the claims the product makes are supported by the clinical data.