Sri Lanka, Aug. 28 -- The Health Ministry has advised people to stop using whitening toothpaste, saying it does not make teeth truly white.

Community Dentistry Consultant Dr. Shanika Mututantri said whitening toothpaste in the market is not harmful but contains rough ingredients like silica or calcium carbonate. These only clean surface stains and can scratch the tooth enamel.

She explained that the whitening effect does not last long and advised the public to use fluoride toothpaste instead, as it helps protect teeth.

Dr. Mututantri also said tooth decay is now found in 63% of preschool children and 90% of adults between 35 and 44 years.

She stressed that fluoride toothpaste is the best way to prevent tooth decay. It strengthens enam...