I have often seen the warning labels on toothpastes but never understood them. Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line.
Warning labels are present on toothpaste to caution against swallowing too much fluoride.
Because the other ingredients in the toothpaste, such as detergents and essential oils, have an emetic effect, and because the abrasive component interferes with absorption of fluoride in the gut, it is highly unlikely that all the fluoride in the tube would be absorbed into the body of the person that swallowed the toothpaste. Most toothpastes are ingested by children. Accordingly, the main concern associated with swallowing too much fluoride from toothpaste is not necessarily immediate systemic illness, but rather dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is characterized by mottled and discolored teeth. This is why it is important to keep the toothpaste away from small children.