What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is the name given to a group of compounds that are composed of the naturally occurring element fluorine. It is a naturally occurring trace mineral found in various sources including water, soil, plants, and even some foods. It is best known for its role in promoting dental health and preventing cavities.
Fluoride can be found in various forms such as fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional treatments applied by a dentist. Many communities also add fluoride to their public water supplies, a practice known as water fluoridation, which has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of tooth decay.
Most fluoride is absorbed in the gut and stored in bones and teeth. Unabsorbed fluoride is excreted in urine. Children absorb fluoride more efficiently than adults, as their teeth and bones are rapidly forming.
Fluoride was first discovered in 1771 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. However, it wasn't isolated until 1886 by the French chemist Henri Moissan. The discovery and understanding of fluoride's benefits for dental health came much later, in the early 20th century, through the work of researchers like Dr. Frederick McKay and Dr. G.V. Black
In the UK the first substantive water fluoridation scheme began in Birmingham in 1964. This initiative aimed to help prevent dental caries (tooth decay) by adjusting the level of fluoride in the water supply. Despite some resistance and concerns over the increasing 'chemicalisation' of food, the scheme was progressively introduced across the country.
What Does Fluoride Do?
Fluoride can be found in various forms, including:
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Fluoride mouth rinses
- Professional treatments applied by dentists
- Fluoridated water supplies
Fluoride itself is not primarily known for whitening teeth. Its main role is to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities by promoting remineralisation and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
Benefits of Fluoride includes:
- Strengthens Tooth Enamel: Fluoride helps to remineralise and harden the enamel, the outer protective layer of the teeth, making it more resistant to decay and acid attacks from bacteria and sugars.
- Prevents Cavities: By inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, fluoride helps to reduce the risk of developing cavities (dental caries).
- Repairs Early Tooth Decay: Fluoride can help reverse the early stages of tooth decay by promoting the remineralization of weakened enamel, preventing the decay from progressing.
- Supports Oral Health: Regular use of fluoride through toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional treatments helps maintain overall oral health and reduces the incidence of dental problems.
- Promotes Healthy Development in Children: For children, fluoride is especially important as their teeth are developing. It helps ensure that their teeth grow strong and are less prone to decay.
If you're looking to whiten your teeth, you might consider using products specifically designed for tooth whitening such as a hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Why Avoid Fluoride In Toothpaste?
While fluoride is widely recognised for its benefits in dental health, some people question ‘is fluoride bad for your teeth’ and avoid it for several reasons including;
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Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake, especially in children, can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition that causes white spots or streaks on the teeth. In severe cases, it can result in permanent damage to the tooth's appearance and structure.
- Health Concerns: Some studies suggest a potential link between high fluoride exposure and certain health issues, including skeletal fluorosis and, in rare cases, neurological problems.
- Environmental Impact: The production and disposal of fluoride-containing products can have environmental consequences, such as water pollution and ecological damage.
Alternative Options: There are fluoride-free toothpaste options available that use natural ingredients to promote oral health, such as Hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
What Happens When You Stop Using Fluoride Toothpaste?
If you decide to stop using fluoride toothpaste, there could be some perceived benefits, depending on your personal health philosophy and circumstances:
- Reduced Risk of Fluorosis: As mentioned above, discontinuing fluoride toothpaste can decrease the risk of developing dental fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride intake that results in white spots or streaks on the teeth.
- Avoiding Excessive Fluoride Intake: Those concerned about the potential effects of excessive fluoride intake, such as skeletal fluorosis, may feel more at ease using fluoride-free toothpaste.
- Natural Ingredients: Fluoride-free toothpaste often contains natural ingredients like hydroxyapatite, xylitol, baking soda, and essential oils, which some people prefer for their perceived health benefits and fewer synthetic additives.
- Environmentally Friendly: Avoiding fluoride can potentially reduce the environmental impact associated with fluoride production and disposal, addressing concerns about water pollution and ecological damage.
- Personal Preference and Beliefs: Some individuals choose to avoid fluoride due to personal health beliefs or preferences. Switching to fluoride-free toothpaste aligns with their values and lifestyle choices.
Is Fluoride Free Toothpaste Good?
When it comes to maintaining a bright and healthy smile, toothpaste is a crucial part of your daily oral care routine. With the growing popularity of natural and organic products, you might be wondering if fluoride-free toothpaste is a good choice for you and can they be effective in maintaining oral health. The simple answer is yes, fluoride-free toothpaste can be effective, especially when combined with good oral hygiene practices.
Many fluoride-free toothpastes include natural ingredients that promote oral health:
- Hydroxyapatite: Benefits of Hydroxyapatite toothpaste
- Xylitol: A natural sweetener that helps reduce cavity-causing bacteria.
- Baking Soda: Known for its gentle abrasive properties, it helps remove surface stains and freshen breath.
- Essential Oils: Ingredients like tea tree oil and peppermint oil have antimicrobial properties that can help reduce bacteria and promote oral health.
Ultimately, the choice between fluoride and fluoride-free toothpaste depends on your personal preferences, health considerations, and dental needs.
Find our range of fluoride free toothpastes here.