Since we were old enough to pronounce the word “fluoride”, we are consistently told that fluoride is a necessary ingredient in our toothpaste. Would you really want to worry about yourself or your children having a mouthful of cavities and tooth decay? Of course not!

However, according to Dr. Brite co-founder, Dr. Pooneh Ramezani, DDS, there is a problem with how much fluoride is exposed to us daily. And the dangers of accidental fluoride consumption can outweigh the benefits.

This article isn’t meant to scare you. Team Dr. Brite is here to share that it is completely okay to use a toothpaste that’s fluoride-free. With the proper brushing technique and regular visits to the dentist, you can still prevent cavities without using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day.

We’re uncovering the controversy surrounding fluoride including:

1. Why fluoride poses serious health risks
2. When it’s okay to use fluoride
3. How you can help prevent cavities and other dental conditions naturally

Why Fluoride Poses Serious Health Risks

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The main reason fluoride is included in many toothpastes is because it is supposed to help remineralize teeth in order to help prevent cavities.

But have you ever looked closely at a box of toothpaste filled with fluoride? You may notice a section titled “WARNING” that says in case of swallowing toothpaste, please call Poison Control. Why should a product we use for our teeth be able to potentially harm us in the process?

The reason why many fluoride toothpastes have this warning is that fluoride can accumulate and build up in the body. Not only that, but many states in the U.S. actually include fluoride in our water systems and that means your exposure is amplified.

Fluoride happens to be a neurotoxin, meaning it can affect the nervous system. In fact, pregnant women exposed to higher levels of fluoride may have children with poorer cognitive functions.

Other risks associated with too much fluoride exposure include dental fluorosis, thyroid dysfunction, conditions affecting the joints and bones, such as osteoarthritis, bone cancer, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and reproductive issues, such as lower fertility and early puberty in girls (Medical News Today).

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In regards to remineralizing teeth with a fluoride tooth, Dr. Brite co-founder and veteran dentist, Dr. Pooneh Ramezani, DDS says: “New research has shown that the amount of fluoride in fluoridated toothpastes and the length of time that you brush your teeth or your children's teeth is not enough for the fluoride to have significant re-mineralization effects on the tooth enamel. The actual mechanical removal of plaque-causing bacteria with a toothbrush is more beneficial than using a Fluoridated toothpaste."

 
These potential risks may sound shocking or they might even sound scary, however, there is one special circumstance where the use of fluoride for your smile is perfectly fine.

When It’s Okay to Use Fluoride

While Team Dr. Brite says no to the daily use of toothpaste filled with fluoride, dentist visits at least twice a year that incorporate fluoride are safe.

“During a dental appointment, a high concentration of fluoride is applied to a patient’s teeth using a mouthguard device to help aid in the remineralization of teeth. After a few minutes, your hygienist sucks away this fluoride solution with a high-powered suction vacuum so that you don’t accidentally ingest fluoride. This process is what we recommend people to do to help take care of their smile and to help prevent tooth decay.” — Dr. Pooneh Ramezani, DDS

 
But how do I help prevent cavities during the time in between my dentist appointments? That’s where Dr. Brite can help.

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Recap of When Okay to Use Fluoride

How You Can Help Prevent Cavities And Other Dental Conditions More Naturally

You might be wondering if you can help prevent cavities with a toothpaste containing natural ingredients. Team Dr. Brite is here to say yes, you can absolutely have a cavity-free mouth without a fluoride-filled toothpaste.

In fact, a proper brushing method is going to be essential for removing cavity-causing bacteria from the surface of teeth. Two minutes is the magic number needed to get rid of plaque!

Along with this, a toothpaste formulated with synergistic, holistic, natural ingredients can help stop plaque in its tracks.

Dr. Brite’s Whitening Mint Toothpaste and Kid’s Berrylicious Toothpaste both have coconut oil, which is acts as an antibacterial agent against plaque along with just the right amount of neem oil, another antibacterial ingredient sourced from evergreen trees in India.

For teeth mineralization, we use hydrated silica and to help heal irritated, tender and swollen gums, we also include vitamin C into our toothpaste formulas.

It’s your turn to try Dr. Brite’s toothpaste and mouthwash! We recommend the BeBrite Set to get both items at a 15% bundle savings price. Try this set for 30 days and you'll notice your mouth feels super clean without experiencing the effects of chemical exposure. The BeBrite Set, like all Dr. Brite oral care, is sold with a 30-day guarantee.

We hope this article helped answer any curiosities surrounding fluoride use and when it is and isn’t okay to use it. If you would like to learn more about fluoride for your teeth, feel free to email us directly at team@drbrite.com

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When do cavities form?

When the tough enamel of teeth is damaged, cavities (also known as tooth decay) develop.

Plaque, a bacterially-produced sticky film that coats the teeth, is present all the time. When a person consumes sugary foods or beverages, the bacteria in plaque produce acid, which damages the tooth's tough enamel and eventually kills it. Cavities then start to appear in the tooth.

Fluoride strengthens dental enamel by assisting in the repair of acid-damaged enamel, reversing early tooth decay symptoms.

Recap of Alternatives to Fluoride

FAQs

1. What happens if you stop using fluoride?

The study's authors warn that in the absence of optimal fluoride levels in drinking water and saliva, teeth may develop with thinner enamel and a reduced ability to remineralize early symptoms of decay.

2. When should you stop using fluoride toothpaste?

If you are considering using a fluoride-free toothpaste on your children, the American Dental Association (ADA) suggests using fluoride toothpaste from the time the first tooth appears until they are three years old.

3. What are the cons of fluoride?

Large amounts of fluoride can be toxic. In addition to tooth yellowing, excessive exposure can also create bone issues. The water already contains enough fluoride without adding any more. Each person has the right to choose whether or not to take medication.

4. What are the benefits of flouride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to have many benefits for oral health. It is found in both tap water and toothpaste, and it helps to prevent cavities, gum disease and tooth decay. Fluoride also helps to strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to decay.

5. Is there an alternative to fluoride?

When it comes to dental hygiene, fluoride is one of the most important components. It helps to keep teeth strong and healthy by preventing cavities and tooth decay. But for some people, fluoride can be harmful. If you have a sensitivity to fluoride or if you are trying to avoid it for other reasons, you may be looking for an alternative.

Fortunately, there are a number of fluoride-free toothpastes available on the market. These products typically use different ingredients such as xylitol or baking soda to help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Be sure to talk to your dentist before switching to a fluoride-free toothpaste, as they may have specific recommendations based on your individual oral health needs.