Sri Lanka, Aug. 29 -- The Ministry of Health has cautioned the public against using whitening toothpaste, emphasizing that such products do not actually whiten teeth.

Community Dentistry Consultant Dr. Shanika Mututantri explained that these products often contain abrasive ingredients like silica or calcium carbonate.

She highlighted that although those ingredients were not harmful, they could scratch tooth enamel while only remove surface stains temporarily.

Dr. Mutuantri recommended using toothpaste with fluoride, which effectively strengthens teeth and provides lasting protection against decay.

She noted that the prevalence of tooth decay in Sri Lanka among preschool children is 63% and 90% of adults aged 35 to 44.

She emphasi...