More Australians are asking for fluoride-free toothpaste, and the shelves have caught up. There are now dozens of options at the chemist, the supermarket and online, and they're not all the same. I'm Jess, an Australian Oral Health Therapist and the founder of Flossy & Pure. In this guide I'll walk you through what "fluoride-free" actually tells you, what to check before you buy, how to compare the real cost, and how to make the switch at home without any fuss.
What "fluoride-free" does (and doesn't) tell you
"Fluoride-free" tells you one thing: there's no fluoride in the tube. It doesn't tell you what's in there instead, how the paste feels, how it tastes, or whether it suits the people in your house. Two fluoride-free toothpastes can be completely different products.
It's also worth knowing that "fluoride-free" and "natural" aren't the same claim. A paste can be fluoride-free and still contain foaming detergents, artificial colours or strong flavours. If "natural" matters to you too, I've covered that separately in How to Choose a Natural Toothpaste in Australia.
Is fluoride-free toothpaste right for you?
Choosing a fluoride-free toothpaste is a personal decision, and I always say this to patients: fluoride is well evidenced, and if your dentist or dental professional has recommended fluoride for you or your child, follow their advice. They know your mouth and your history.
The people I see choosing fluoride-free most often are:
- Parents of little ones who are still learning to spit and tend to swallow some toothpaste.
- Families who want one tube for everyone, from first tooth to grandparents, instead of juggling a kids' paste and an adult paste.
- Adults who simply prefer it, often because they read labels closely on everything else they buy.
Shopping for children specifically? My Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste for Kids: A Parent's Buying Guide goes into ages, amounts and flavours in more detail.
How to choose a fluoride-free toothpaste: 6 things to check
1. What's used in place of fluoride
Turn the tube over. Some fluoride-free pastes simply leave fluoride out and use a standard cleaning base. Others use a named mineral such as hydroxyapatite, a mineral that occurs naturally in teeth and bones. In toothpaste it gives a smooth, polished, clean feel after brushing. If you'd like the plain-English version, start with What Is Nano-Hydroxyapatite?
2. Whether the key ingredient has a percentage
A label that says "with hydroxyapatite" but gives no amount makes it hard to compare brands. Look for a printed percentage. Ours: we use 3% nano-hydroxyapatite, and it's listed on the product page.
3. A flavour everyone will actually use
The best toothpaste is the one that gets used twice a day, every day. Strong mint can feel "spicy" to children and to some adults, while very sweet flavours can encourage little ones to eat it. A mild mint is a good middle ground: fresh for adults, gentle enough for kids.
4. Low foam is normal
Many fluoride-free pastes skip SLS, the detergent that makes conventional toothpaste foam. That means less lather, and that's fine. Foam isn't what cleans your teeth; brushing is. There's more on this in SLS-Free Toothpaste: Why the Foam Does Nothing.
5. Age guidance on the pack
If the whole household will share one tube, check that the brand says it's suitable for every age, and check how much to use for younger children. As a guide: a smear for under-3s and a pea-sized amount for 3–6 year olds, with an adult supervising until they can spit reliably.
6. Who's behind the brand
Look for a brand that's upfront about its full ingredient list, who formulated it and how to contact them. Flossy & Pure is Australian-owned, and I formulated it after almost a decade working with families in the dental chair. Every ingredient is listed on our product pages.
Weighing up hydroxyapatite options? See how the main hydroxyapatite toothpastes in Australia compare.
Compare the real cost, not the sticker price
Price per tube
Fluoride-free toothpaste ranges from a few dollars at the supermarket to around $30 for specialty brands, so compare per tube and per gram. Our 100g single tube is $21.99. The Family 3-Pack is $59, which works out at $19.67 a tube.
How long a tube lasts
A cheaper tube isn't better value if it runs out sooner. With twice-daily brushing, one 100g tube lasts one person about 4–6 weeks. A family sharing a tube will get through it faster, which is why many households keep one tube in each bathroom.
Subscribe & Save
If you'd rather never run out, Subscribe & Save takes 15% off and delivers every 4, 8, 12 or 16 weeks. On the Family 3-Pack that's $50.15 a delivery, or $16.72 a tube. Skip or cancel anytime. Standard shipping is $4.95 for orders under $25 and $6.99 from $25, and it's free on orders of $80 or more after discounts.
Switching to fluoride-free at home
Making the change is simple, and most families settle in within a week or two:
- Start with one tube per bathroom so nobody has to hunt for it at bedtime.
- Use the right amount for each age: a smear for under-3s, a pea-sized amount for 3–6 year olds, and a pea-sized amount is plenty for adults too.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes, in the morning and before bed.
- Spit, don't rinse, for a longer-lasting fresh, clean feel.
- Give the lower foam a few days. It feels different at first, then it just feels normal.
There's a step-by-step walkthrough in How to Use Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste. And keep up your regular dental check-ups. A toothpaste is one part of your routine, not a replacement for professional care.
One tube for the whole family
I made Flossy & Pure because families kept asking me for one gentle, honest toothpaste everyone could share. It's fluoride-free, SLS-free and free from titanium dioxide and artificial colours, with 3% nano-hydroxyapatite and a mild mint kids actually accept.
If you're buying for a few bathrooms, have a look at the Family 3-Pack, or browse all our products. Change your mind? Return it unopened within 30 days for a refund. Full terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is fluoride-free toothpaste the same as natural toothpaste?
Not always. "Fluoride-free" only means there's no fluoride. A paste can be fluoride-free and still contain detergents, colours or artificial flavours, so read the full ingredient list.
What do fluoride-free toothpastes use instead of fluoride?
It varies by brand. Some simply leave fluoride out, while others use an ingredient such as hydroxyapatite. Check the back of the tube and look for a printed percentage.
Can adults use fluoride-free toothpaste?
Yes. Many adults choose fluoride-free toothpaste as a personal preference. If your dentist has recommended fluoride for you, follow their advice.
Can the whole family share one fluoride-free toothpaste?
Yes, if the brand says it's suitable for every age. Use a smear for under-3s and a pea-sized amount for 3–6 year olds, and supervise children until they can spit reliably.
Why doesn't my fluoride-free toothpaste foam much?
Many fluoride-free pastes are also SLS-free, and SLS is what makes toothpaste foam. Less foam is normal and doesn't change how well brushing cleans your teeth.
Where can I buy fluoride-free toothpaste in Australia?
You'll find options at chemists, supermarkets and online. You can order Flossy & Pure directly from our shop, with delivery Australia-wide. See also Where to Buy Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste in Australia.
Flossy & Pure toothpaste is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For advice about your own teeth, speak with your dentist or dental professional.