Why Many People Use Fluoride Free Toothpaste

Since fluoride helps prevent cavities, toothpaste and other dental products add it to them. But, in the dental industry, many people prefer to use fluoride free toothpaste for various reasons. To them, fluoride is not the solution to having healthy teeth and gums.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride works as a repair agent and protects the teeth surface against acid. It helps limit bacteria growth, prevent tooth decay, and rebuild weak enamel. But, naturally occurring fluoride cannot protect the teeth completely, so manufacturers add a small amount in toothpaste and gels.

Also, the local authority may add fluoride to the water supply, which helps the community prevent tooth decay. But, note that it is not the optimum measurement to provide a safe and healthy benefit.

While fluoride is proven to be beneficial, toothpaste that contains this element can be harmful to use, particularly to small children. This is because they do not yet know how to spit out excess paste while brushing. Many parents are concerned that if their kids swallow too much fluoride over time, they can develop fluorosis. As long as your kid does not eat or swallow their toothpaste with fluoride, they are generally safe from this condition.

Fluorosis is a dental health disorder that can be the cause of restricted development of the enamel. The occurrence of pits or spots on the teeth may also be due to fluorosis. Exposure to high fluoride concentrations over time is the reason that many children suffer from fluorosis.

Why Use Fluoride Free Toothpaste?

Some brands of toothpaste replace fluoride with baking soda, clay, or charcoal. There are several reasons that will prompt you to use fluoride free toothpaste:

They are safer for children. As reported by ADA (American Dental Association), toothpaste with fluoride content is recommended to 3 years old or younger with their first tooth, as long as it is only a small amount. For kids who are 3-6 years old, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride is recommended.

However, these recommended amounts also come with the risks of pitting or discoloration on the teeth as a result of dental fluorosis. The teeth can feel rough and appear as white spots or brown spots. You can avoid this from happening to your kids by choosing toothpaste without fluoride. Continue doing this until you are sure that they know how to spit them all out instead of swallowing them in large amounts.

You are allergic to fluoride. If you discover that you have an allergic reaction to this fluorine compound, it is time to switch to fluoride free toothpaste out there. You can talk to your dentist or physician if you have some concerns regarding how fluoride can impact your medical condition or overall health.

You get enough fluoride from other sources. If the food and beverages you regularly consume give you an ample amount of fluoride, you may decide you do not need it in your toothpaste. Keep in mind that there is a difference between ingesting fluoride and applying it topically.

It prevents physical damage.  There is a risk of acquiring weakened ligaments and bones if you swallow too much fluoride from dental care products. For this, using fluoride free toothpaste can lower the risk of damaging your body.

While you may experience some problems with fluoride consumption, it usually happens if you ingest large amounts of it. In general, fluoride is beneficial and does not cause side effects to your body.

Author Bio:

Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.