calling a dentist - is it ok to have sorbitol in kids' toothpaste

[clare21]

I have just noticed that our 5 yr old twins' toothpaste has sorbitol listed as main ingredient. Isn't that sugar? It's also not endorsed by British Dental Association. Does this matter? I am just being paranoid? Does anyone have any views on which toothpastes are ok, and how to wean mine off their sorbitol one?

I'm not a dentist but I would make sure you impress on them that they mustn't swallow toothpaste.

It does seem a bit odd to have a sugar-substitute in a toothpaste, but perhaps it doesn't harm the teeth? As for weaning them off, easy - buy another brand! My dch were v. impressed when I bought one with stripes!

both mine and the kids toothpaste have sorbitol in them - must be a common ingredient in them. The kids use Morrisons own make childrens toothpaste and I use Colgate.

Sorbitol

Look for a paste with xylitol in it instead. This is a natural substance that is sweet, has a low GI and is also protective of teeth.

That link to sorbitol mentions toothpaste - it doesn't sound too bad (although further down it says they use it in rocket fuel, which is slightly alarming!)

If you're not swallowing it, can't see that it's a problem.