Is Stannous Fluoride Safe in Toothpaste?

We’ve seen a lot of news in 2025 about toothpastes with stannous fluoride. Some people say these products have caused mouth irritation or even ulcers. Because of this, health authorities in different countries have released alerts about the use of these toothpastes.

In this article, we’ll explain what’s really happening with stannous fluoride, if it’s dangerous, and how to use it safely.

What is stannous fluoride, and is it safe?

Stannous fluoride (SnF₂) is a fluoride compound made from tin and fluoride ions. It’s used in many toothpastes as an active ingredient to protect your teeth and gums.

Stannous fluoride has been safely used for decades. It’s approved by the U.S. FDA and recommended by health organizations like the WHO and ADA. 

While some people may notice mild irritation, research confirms that stannous fluoride is safe for daily use in the correct concentration.

What types of fluoride are in toothpaste?

There are different kinds of fluoride used in toothpastes to help protect your teeth. The most common types are:

• Sodium fluoride: this is in many toothpastes and helps stop cavities.
• Stannous fluoride: helps stop cavities, kills bacteria, and reduces tooth sensitivity.
• Sodium monofluorophosphate: another type that protects teeth from decay.

All types of fluoride are safe when used the right way. Health experts like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Dental Association (ADA) agree that fluoride helps keep teeth healthy and strong.

What’s the safe fluoride concentration in toothpaste?

• Most toothpastes with stannous fluoride have about 0.454% of the ingredient. This equals around 1,100 ppm of fluoride. This amount is safe and follows international health guidelines.
• Experts from the WHO and CDC recommend using toothpaste with 1,000 to 1,500 ppm of fluoride. This level helps prevent cavities and is still safe for daily use.
• Toothpastes you buy in stores usually have less than 1,500 ppm, so they are considered safe for most people.

How much fluoride can we use every day?

• For adults, up to 10 mg of fluoride per day is safe.
• For children, the safe amount is 0.05 mg per kilogram of body weight each day.

As long as you use toothpaste as directed, fluoride is safe and very helpful for your teeth.

Why were some toothpastes recalled recently?

In 2025, several countries issued health alerts or voluntary recalls for toothpastes that contain stannous fluoride. These actions were taken after some users reported irritation, not because of high or dangerous levels of the ingredient.

Why were alerts issued?

Health agencies acted after people reported symptoms like:

• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Ulcers or sores
• Swelling or gum irritation

Most alerts were precautionary, made to protect people who may be sensitive to stannous fluoride. These actions do not mean that the ingredient is unsafe for general use. In fact, stannous fluoride has never been banned anywhere.

All recalls were voluntary, either by the manufacturers themselves or at the request of health authorities. Currently, there is no global or international ban on toothpaste containing stannous fluoride.

Which toothpastes were recalled, and why?

Colgate Total Clean Mint

• Countries: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru
• Reason: Reports of mouth irritation, burning, and ulcers. In some places, it was even labeled as “unfit for human consumption,” while in others, it was issued as a sanitary alert.

Various fluoride toothpastes

• Country: United States
• Reason: Recalls due to labeling errors, not because of ingredient safety.

Colgate Total variants

• Countries: Various Latin American markets
• Reason: Possible reactions caused by the combination of stannous fluoride with other ingredients in the formula.

At the end of July 2025, Peru’s Ministry of Health (Minsa) sent a health warning about toothpastes that have stannous fluoride. 

Digemid, the health agency, found 14 toothpaste products with stannous fluoride that are approved for use in Peru. These include well-known brands like Colgate, Oral-B, and Sensodyne.

What are authorities investigating?

Health agencies are still studying: 

• If the irritation comes directly from stannous fluoride
• If it results from how stannous fluoride interacts with other ingredients in certain toothpaste formulas.

Experts say that the key factor is formulation stability. If stannous fluoride is not properly stabilized, it can oxidize and possibly cause irritation, especially for people with sensitive mouths or gums.

What are the real oral health benefits of stannous fluoride?

Stannous fluoride delivers multiple benefits for dental health:

• Strengthens enamel by forming acid-resistant fluorapatite, which protects against decay.
• Fights bacteria and plaque, improving gum health and reducing bad breath.
• Reduces tooth erosion and sensitivity, often more effectively than sodium fluoride.
• Helps prevent bleeding gums and gingivitis, as studies show less plaque and gum inflammation with regular use.
• Can brighten teeth, as some formulas reduce stains while strengthening teeth.

These benefits are backed by studies and clinical trials, demonstrating its effectiveness in multiple areas of oral care.

What are the side effects of too much stannous fluoride?

The most common and mild effects are:

• Brown or gray stains on teeth, often removable with brushing or professional cleaning.
• Mouth irritation or allergic reactions, like burning or redness, in sensitive users.

Other side effects are rare but can happen: 

• Dental fluorosis in children leads to white or brown spots from excessive fluoride during tooth development.
• Acute symptoms (nausea, stomach upset, drooling) may occur if large amounts are swallowed accidentally.

Stannous fluoride protects enamel, fights plaque, reduces sensitivity and gum inflammation, and may help with stains and breath. Mild staining or irritation can occur, but serious issues are rare when used correctly.

Always follow directions and talk to your dentist if you notice any ongoing symptoms.

When should you see a dentist for stannous fluoride side effects?

Many people use stannous fluoride toothpaste without problems. But some may have side effects. If you notice any of the symptoms we have seen, you can try to:

• Stop using the toothpaste right away.
• Rinse your mouth with water.

If symptoms last more than 48 hours or get worse, see a dentist. The dentist can suggest:

• Mouth rinses or gels to reduce burning or irritation
• Treatment for mouth sores
• Professional cleaning to remove stains
• Cosmetic options for fluorosis, like whitening or microabrasion
• Advice on switching to a different toothpaste

If a child swallows a large amount of toothpaste, get medical help right away.

Which toothpastes do not contain stannous fluoride?

If you want to avoid stannous fluoride because of sensitivity or side effects, here are good alternatives:

Toothpastes with sodium fluoride (no stannous fluoride):

• Sensodyne Pronamel 
• Colgate Cavity Protection

Fluoride-free toothpastes:

• Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free (natural ingredients, helps with sensitivity and whitening)
• Boka Ela Mint (strengthens teeth without fluoride)
• Hello Fluoride-Free (natural and safe for kids and adults)

These toothpastes are available on Amazon and other stores. Always check the label if you want to avoid stannous fluoride.

Conclusion: Is stannous fluoride safe to use?

Stannous fluoride is safe for most people if you use it the right way. It helps stop cavities, kills bad bacteria, and makes teeth strong. Some people may feel burning, get mouth sores, or see tooth stains. These problems are usually small and go away if you stop using the toothpaste.

If problems last more than two days or get worse, you should see a dentist. The dentist can help and suggest other toothpastes without stannous fluoride that are also good options. 

Always use toothpaste as told on the label. Ask your dentist if you have questions. And remember, you can always find a toothpaste that works for you.