Recently, you may have seen news in Thailand regarding 5,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste being classified as a “dangerous drug.”
Understandably, the term can sound alarming and may raise several questions:
Is fluoride dangerous?
Is regular fluoride toothpaste still safe to use?
Should we stop using fluoride toothpaste altogether?
The short answer is no — there is no need to stop using regular fluoride toothpaste.
The recent classification specifically concerns high-fluoride products containing 5,000 ppm fluoride for oral use, not all fluoride toothpastes.
What Happened With 5,000 ppm Fluoride?
According to the Thai Ministry of Public Health Notification on Dangerous Drugs (No. 37), dated 6 August 2026, oral-use products containing 5,000 parts per million (5,000 ppm) fluoride were added to Thailand’s list of dangerous drugs.
Following public concern about the announcement, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) issued a clarification on 20 August 2026 regarding fluoride toothpaste.
Importantly, the term “dangerous drug” is a legal classification used under Thai pharmaceutical regulations.
It does not mean that the product is a “poison,” nor does it mean that fluoride is prohibited or unsafe when used appropriately.
Why Is 5,000 ppm Fluoride More Strictly Controlled?
A concentration of 5,000 ppm is considered high-fluoride toothpaste and is not intended to simply replace regular toothpaste for everyone.
High-fluoride products may be considered for people who have a high risk of developing dental caries (tooth decay).
According to information from Thailand’s Department of Health, high-fluoride toothpaste may be considered for certain high-risk groups, such as some older adults, people with reduced saliva production, individuals who have difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene, and certain patients whose medical treatment increases their risk of tooth decay.
The use of 5,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste should therefore be based on individual needs and professional advice.
Is Regular Fluoride Toothpaste Still Safe to Use?
Yes.
The Thai FDA has clarified that regular toothpaste containing no more than 1,500 ppm fluoride can continue to be purchased and used for everyday oral care as usual.
Fluoride continues to play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay by helping make tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks and supporting the remineralization of enamel.
Therefore, seeing the headline “5,000 ppm fluoride classified as a dangerous drug” does not mean you should stop using fluoride toothpaste.
Who May Need 5,000 ppm Fluoride Toothpaste?
High-fluoride toothpaste is not designed for routine use by everyone.
A dentist may consider recommending it for individuals at a higher risk of tooth decay, including:
- People who frequently develop new cavities
- Individuals with dry mouth or reduced saliva flow
- Some older adults at increased risk of root caries
- People who have difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene
- Certain patients whose medical treatment affects saliva production
According to the Thai FDA, 5,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste should not be used in children under 12 years of age because of the risk of swallowing the toothpaste.
Whether high-fluoride toothpaste is appropriate should therefore be assessed individually.
How Much Fluoride Should Regular Toothpaste Contain?
For everyday oral care, fluoride toothpaste should be selected according to age and individual needs and used in an appropriate amount.
Regular toothpastes commonly contain approximately 1,000–1,500 ppm fluoride.
For children, the amount of toothpaste used is particularly important, especially at younger ages when they may not yet be able to spit effectively. Parents or caregivers should supervise brushing and use an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste.
A 5,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste should not be considered “better” simply because it contains more fluoride.
It is a high-fluoride product intended for specific situations and should be used when clinically appropriate and according to professional advice.
In Summary: Fluoride Toothpaste Is Still Safe to Use
The key is to understand the difference between regular fluoride toothpaste and high-fluoride 5,000 ppm products.
The Thai Ministry of Public Health’s classification of oral-use products containing 5,000 ppm fluoride as a “dangerous drug” does not mean that all fluoride is dangerous, nor does it mean that people should stop using their regular fluoride toothpaste.
For most people, the important principles remain the same:
Choose an appropriate fluoride concentration, use the correct amount of toothpaste, brush properly, and select products that are suitable for your age and individual risk of tooth decay.
If you are unsure which fluoride toothpaste is appropriate for you or your family, a dentist can assess your oral health and individual risk of tooth decay and provide appropriate recommendations.
Veneerist Dental Clinic | Dental Clinic in Krabi, Thailand 🤍
References
1. Drug Control Division, Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA), Ministry of Public Health
Notification of the Ministry of Public Health on Dangerous Drugs (No. 37), dated 6 August 2026 — oral-use products containing 5,000 ppm fluoride were added to the list of dangerous drugs.
2. Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) — 20 August 2026
Clarification regarding fluoride toothpaste: regular fluoride toothpaste containing no more than 1,500 ppm can continue to be used normally, while 5,000 ppm fluoride products are intended for people at high risk of dental caries and should be used with appropriate professional guidance.
3. Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand — 6 July 2026
Information regarding the use of high-fluoride 5,000 ppm toothpaste under professional dental guidance for people at increased risk of tooth decay.
