When it comes to over-the-counter dental care products, fluoride in Japan is not as common as some other countries. While places like the UK and U.S. include fluoride in most toothpaste, Japan takes a different approach. 

(You might also like our guide: Is Japanese water safe to drink? ). 

In Japan, some toothpaste contains no fluoride at all, while others use alternatives such as hydroxyapatite to protect tooth enamel. 

However, plenty of toothpaste brands do contain fluoride levels similar to those found Western varieties. You may have a harder time finding mouthwash and dental floss containing fluoride, but some larger drugstores do stock them. Read on for our guide to fluoride-containing products recommended by Japanese drugstore staff. 

If you’re looking for professional dental care in Japan, make sure to also check out our guide to English-speaking dentists in Tokyo.  

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral naturally present in water, rocks and soil, as well as a wide variety of foods. Fluoride can help protect tooth enamel, making it a common ingredient in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products. It works by helping to remineralize lost enamel, strengthening teeth against cavities and preventing tooth decay.   

Although Japan doesn’t add fluoride to its tap water, many common Japanese toothpaste brands contain similar fluoride levels to products overseas.  

Fluoride Toothpaste 

A large number of Japanese toothpaste brands contain fluoride concentrations of 1,450 ppm (parts per million), the same average fluoride concentrations of toothpaste in the UK and U.S. These brands are widely available and come recommended by drugstore staff. 

Lion Clinica Advantage Cool Mint

Lion Clinica Advantage promotes cavity prevention through fluoride, antibacterial ingredients and plaque-removing enzymes. Other toothpaste in the Clinica Advantage range also contain fluoride, including Clinica Advantage + Whitening and a variety of flavors. 

Fluoride concentration: 1,450 ppm
Price: Around ¥295 (130 g)
Buy it here

Lion NONIO + Whitening Toothpaste

Another Lion brand toothpaste drugstore staff single out is NONIO + Whitening. This product provides tooth whitening effects alongside the benefits of fluoride. The NONIO range as a whole focuses on a multi-ingredient antibacterial approach to promote fresher breath, and most varieties contain fluoride. 

Fluoride concentration: 1,450 ppm
Price: Around ¥407 (130 g)
Buy it here

Sunstar  GUM Dental Paste 120g Sunstar

Fluoride concentration: 1,450 ppm
Price: Around ¥295 (120 g)
Buy it here.

Fluoride Mouthwash and Dental Floss

Mouthwash and dental floss with fluoride are less readily available in Japan compared to toothpaste. Try searching in larger drugstore branches.  

Lion Clinica Fluoride Medical Coat Mouthwash

Drugstore staff suggest using Clinica Fluoride Medical Coat Mouthwash if you are concerned about cavities, or just want to introduce additional fluoride into your oral hygiene routine. You can use this mouthwash once daily, and should avoid rinsing with water afterwards. 

Fluoride concentration: 1,450 ppm
Price: Around ¥980 (250 ml)
Buy it here.

REACH 1450 Dental Floss

As the name suggests, REACH 1450 is one of the few drugstore floss products with a high-concentration fluoride coating. Be sure to look for the 1450 variety, as ordinary REACH dental floss does not contain fluoride.

Fluoride concentration: 1,450 ppm
Price: Around ¥665 (50 m)
Buy it here.

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste (Fluoride-Alternative)

Hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral which makes up the bulk of tooth enamel. It works similarly to fluoride by remineralizing damaged enamel, preventing cavities and tooth decay. Drugstore staff recommend using it as an alternative to fluoride toothpaste, or alternating between the two ingredients to enjoy dual benefits. 

Apagard Premio

Apagard is the leading hydroxyapatite toothpaste brand in Japan. Drugstore staff recommends Apagard Premio, the variety with the highest concentration of hydroxyapatite, as a top choice for enamel repair and effective whitening. 

Price: Around ¥1,530 (105 g)
Buy it here.

For more information, read our full guide to drugstores in Japan. This page has been brought to you as a public service of The Bluff Medical and Dental Clinic in Yokohama.