Fluoride is known as a tarter fighting, teeth protecting miracle agent, but could fluoride be living a double life? We’ll dive into what fluoride really is and if it’s causing you more harm than good.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is the negative ion of the element fluorine and is represented by the chemical formula F-. It is found in nature, in trace amounts and occurs naturally in air, soil, plants, rocks, fresh water, sea water, and many foods.
What Is Fluoride’s Claimed Benefits?
According to the CDC and other organizations, fluoride is a critical variable in preventing dental decay in adults and children. Here are a few claimed benefits according to the CDC and Oral-B:
- Fluoride works by stopping and reversing the tooth decay process by 25%, it keeps tooth enamel strong and solid.
- Fluoride rinses help diabetic patients maintain clean teeth.
- Results in less expensive dental treatments needed.
- Fewer fillings and teeth pulled, therefore, saving communities money.
Does Fluoride Have a Harmful Effect on Me and My Family?
All those reasons can be helpful and effective, remember, fluoride is a chemical. Chemicals are harmful to our organs, reproductive system and more. Read further for reasons to limit fluoride in your daily oral regiment.
- Prescription-strength toothpaste is formulated to be acidic. The acid breaks down the tooth so that the amount of fluoride that enters your tooth is greater.
- Dental fluorosis is the condition of mottled teeth (appearing as small, white or brown spots on the teeth).
- Fluoride in water isn’t helpful for preventing cavities and swallowing this chemical causes much more harm than good.
- It can pass into the brain or the placenta to a fetus when ingested.
- There’s no concrete proof that ingested fluoride will even reduce the cavity rate.
- In animals, fluoride accumulation in the brain alters neurotransmitter levels including epinephrine, histamine, serotonin, glutamate, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine.
How Do I Reduce the Use of Fluoride?
After reading the facts above, you’re probably wondering how to rid your life of fluoride. We can’t completely get rid of fluoride in our lives, however, we recommend using the following options to reduce the use of fluoride in your daily oral regiment.
- Homemade Toothpaste
- Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste
- Probiotic Toothpaste
- UV Sterilization System for your home or office
- Eliminating Processed Foods
Finally, while some of us with severe dental concerns may be prescribed fluoride to assist with a healthy oral regiment most of us don’t need fluoride for healthy teeth. Practice good oral hygiene by;
- Eating a diet rich in plants, grass-fed proteins, grass-fed dairy, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.
- Brushing your teeth regularly. Try to brush your teeth after every meal.
- Visiting your dentist regularly.
