The fact can not be denied that fluoride does play a part in teeth repairs, but do you know the downside? Are you aware of the reasons people are now actively looking for toothpaste without fluoride? Well, in this article we’ll try to
The fact can not be denied that fluoride does play a part in teeth repairs, but do you know the downside? Are you aware of the reasons people are now actively looking for toothpaste without fluoride? Well, in this article we’ll try to explain the facts and make things clear for you.
What is fluoride
Fluoride is the anion F−, the reduced form of fluorine when as an ion and when bonded to another element. Inorganic fluorine containing compounds are called fluorides. Fluoride, like other halides, is a monovalent ion. Wikipedia
Well the fluoride used in toothpastes are usually bi products of aluminum, copper and iron manufacturing and is considered a contaminant. It is highly soluble in water.
Why fluoride is used in toothpastes
Bacteria buildup is one of the main reasons of tooth decay and cavities. This bacteria buildup causes an acidity to form in out mouth and this acid causes enamel erosion. Fluoride protects teeth from this. In case of already damaged teeth, fluoride builds on the damaged parts and strengthens enamel. Once there is a cavity, fluoride cannot help. These are the reasons fluoride is used in toothpastes. In fact around 95% of the toothpastes in the USA contain fluoride. But fluoride does not play any role in teeth whitening. You can read all teeth whitening reviews but you’ll never see a product that says fluoride is a teeth whitening agent.
Why use fluoride free toothpaste then?
We have discussed what fluoride does already and it seems pretty important. Then why would anyone want to use a toothpaste without fluoride? The reasons are shocking.
This apparently useful chemical is actually considered a poison when used in higher doses. ADA researches indicate that fluoride is a potentially dangerous chemical to use in toothpastes. Fluoride toothpastes sold in the U.S. generally contain between 1,100 and 1,450 parts per million (ppm) fluoride. The manufacturers will tell you not to swallow and use in small (pea sized) amounts but the commercials and advertisements and even pictures on the packs will show you otherwise. As so few people actually read the instructions written on the pack, all do as shown. Well this is not to be taken lightly as FDA now require that every tube containing fluoride toothpaste carry a warning sign.
Why this is so serious? Let’s figure out-
Fluoride causes severe health problem if taken excessively. Some of them are
Dental fluorosis occurs from swallowing too much fluoride. It is a defect in tooth enamel that leaves stains on teeth and the risks are too high during teeth forming years (0-8).
Swallowing too much toothpaste can cause acute poisoning and in extreme cases even death. Researches show that a single tube of fluoride toothpaste contains enough fluoride to kill a person weighting less than 30.
Some other health issues include skin rashes, Alzheimer’s and researchers found links between fluoride and hip fractures 10000 cancer deaths around the globe.
Well does sound dangerous, right? The manufacturers say that the amount used during brushing does not contain the amount of fluoride to harm adults. But what about children? Fluoride has been proven to be much, much more devastating in children than in adults. So people with children should use a toothpaste that has no fluoride in it. Though not many, but some manufacturers 