Simply, your teeth will become more vulnerable to decay and discoloration. Almost all the toothpaste tubes available today proudly proclaim being formulated with fluoride. And there’s a good reason why. Fluoride is a superstar in strengthening tooth enamel.
Ace Dental’s family dentist, Dr. Aditi Gupta, believes that “Using toothpaste formulated with fluoride is one of the few things that can remineralize your tooth enamel and reverse decay.”
There might be a lot of fearmongering when it comes to chemicals, but abandoning fluoride can be a mistake. Let’s discuss the role fluoride plays in our dental health and the consequences of not using it.
Fluoride And Its Importance
Enamel is precious, and once it’s gone, it never grows back. That’s where fluoride comes in, as it’s one of the few beneficial chemicals for dental health. Flouride is found almost everywhere in nature, and due to its many virtues, it’s famously formulated in dental products. Statistics by Colgate report fluoride reduces the risk of developing tooth decay by 25%.
Strengthens Tooth Enamel:
Flouride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, a process known as remineralization. Flouride enables teeth to withstand acid attacks and decay caused by bacteria introduced from our food.
Cavity Prevention:
Fluoride prevents tooth decay and reduces cavities; it can reverse the earlier signs of decaying teeth.
Important for Children:
Fluoride is especially recommended for children as it interacts with tooth enamel when ingested or used in dental products. Dr. Aditi Gupta states, “Children exposed to fluoride-based products are likely to have 30% to 12% lower caries rates in primary teeth. Their permanent teeth as adults will be better off due to fluoride exposure, as well.” According to Mayo Clinic, developing teeth benefit from fluoride as much as grown teeth.
What Happens When You Stop Using Fluoridate Toothpaste?
Stopping fluoridated toothpaste is not recommended unless you have an intolerance to fluoride. However, intolerance to fluoride is very rare, as most people can ingest it easily, and it’s hard to avoid. You can expect these things if you stop using toothpaste formulated with fluoride.
Heightened Risk of Tooth Decay:
Fluoride provides an extra level of protection to the teeth. You may not realize it at first, but your teeth will become vulnerable. They won’t be able to protect themselves as easily from bacteria that enter your mouth due to foods and drinks.
Likely To Develop Cavities:
Decaying teeth become a breeding ground for cavities. Without the help of fluoride’s remineralization process, your enamel is on its own and susceptible to cavities.
Increasing Sensitivity:
Fluoridated toothpaste blocks any exposed dentin tubules, which, when exposed, cause discomfort and sensitivity. You will start feeling sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or even sweets.
Deteriorating Gum Health:
Toothpaste without fluoride will not be able to protect you the way fluoridated toothpaste does. Without its protection, your gums may be vulnerable to disease and inflammation. A sign of this can be in the form of bleeding and inflamed gums.
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Why Is Fluoride Misunderstood?
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to fluoride; people fear that this common chemical might cause health concerns. Let’s debunk the myths that follow fluoride.
Fluoride Causes Cancer
This controversial mineral is feared to cause cancer. These claims have no scientific basis and should not be considered credible.
Fluoride Is Toxic
Extensive research supports that fluoride at recommended levels is safe for people to use. Most available toothpastes are formulated with the right amount of fluoride.
It’s Not Beneficial For Adults
It’s a common misconception that fluoride is useful only for children, and as adults, we can’t reap its benefits. However, fluoride is suitable for all age groups as it reduces dental health issues.
Does Fluoridated Toothpaste Have Alternatives?
In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of organic toothpaste made of substances such as charcoal, tea tree oil, or other natural extracts. While these toothpaste have natural benefits, they lack fluoridated toothpaste protection.
Does fluoride-free toothpaste work?
Fluoride is an undeniably great ingredient for toothpaste formulation. However, some groups don’t believe in using fluoride due to associated health risks or due to fluoride allergies. Some options can be considered alternatives, such as hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Is Hydroxyapatite Like Fluoride?
This is the strongest alternative to fluoridated toothpaste, as it is a naturally occurring mineral in the tooth enamel. Studies have shown that participants who either used hydroxyapatite or fluoridated toothpaste had similar results in the end. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste promotes remineralization of teeth, just like its popular counterpart. It’s a suitable alternative for those who want to avoid fluoride.
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How To Protect Teeth Without Fluoride?
If fluoride concerns you, there are some steps you can take to ensure your dental health.
Routine Dental Cleanings:
Schedule frequent dental appointments for regular cleaning and check-ups. This can help your oral health without the use of fluoride.
Dental Sealants:
Your dentist can apply coatings on your molars so they don’t decay easily. This provides a protective layer against cavities; you won’t have to use fluoride.
Fluoride-free Mouthwash:
Mouthwashes are an underrated way to better your dental health. Fluoride-free mouthwashes can provide an extra step in your dental health routine to minimize decay.
What Fluoride Can’t Do:
Many think that brushing their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste is where dental care ends. However, fluoridated toothpaste is only a brick in the wall of your overall oral health. It does not solve the underlying causes of tooth decay and cavities. It also cannot treat your cavities, so brushing with fluoridated toothpaste should not be considered an alternative to proper dental care.
Final Word
For the average person, fluoride use is the difference between an effective and ineffective dental hygiene routine. It is one of the few substances on earth that can promote remineralization of teeth while strengthening enamel.
Fluoride’s properties help enamel fight back against acid and bacteria. Worn-down enamel never grows back. It’s essential to remember this, as using fluoride and keeping dentist’s appointments updated is a requirement for life-long healthy teeth.
Sources:
– What does fluoride do? – colgate
– Dr. Aditi Gupta, D.D.S, A renowned family dentist, specializing in general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry at ACE Dental.
