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Paxton said on Monday that beginning on November 1, Colgate will depict "safe, age-appropriate amounts of toothpaste" for children under six for its Colgate, Tom's of Maine and hello brands of toothpaste, consistent with the labels' instructions.
These depictions will include "pea-sized" amounts of toothpaste, rather than larger amounts or swirls, when Colgate uses an image of toothpaste atop a toothbrush, Paxton said.
The changes will appear online first, and on store shelves later, Paxton said.
In May, Paxton issued civil investigative demands, opens new tab to Colgate and Procter & Gamble (PG.N), opens new tab, which makes Crest, claiming that their marketing causes parents to give children unhealthy doses of fluoride. The Procter & Gamble case remains open.
Paxton, a Republican, said Colgate's agreement advances his work to Make America Healthy Again, a movement associated with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
While the movement draws support from opponents of too much regulation as well as people concerned about disease and other threats, critics say some elements could roll back healthcare advances built over decades.
Colgate, based in New York, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Procter & Gamble did not immediately respond to similar requests. Paxton's office did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities, and the American Dental Association supports, opens new tab fluoridation of toothpaste and drinking water.
But a study, opens new tab published in January in the journal JAMA Pediatrics linked higher fluoride exposures in children to lower IQ scores.
Kennedy opposes adding fluoride to public water systems, and without conclusive evidence has linked current U.S. fluoridation levels to health problems including cancer.
Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate in 2026, and trying to unseat Republican incumbent John Cornyn.