The debate about the use of fluoride in oral care has been going around for years. Some experts believe that too much fluoride exposure can cause bone problems and teeth discolouration in the long run. Because of this, many people choose to substitute their traditional kinds of toothpaste with fluoride-free toothpaste to avoid harmful side effects.
While the benefits of omitting fluoride from the usual dental hygiene remain contested, many people continue to choose it over the traditional toothpaste options containing this mineral. If you want to know more about this alternative, these details can help you decide if going fluoride free can be a good idea for your oral health.
Why Use Toothpaste Without Fluoride
The active ingredient of the common toothpaste is fluoride, derived from the chemical element called fluorine. This natural mineral is used to help strengthen tooth enamel or the outer layer of the teeth. It is also included in toothpaste to help prevent the growth of cavities.
However, experts advise against the use of fluoride toothpaste for children during their early years. Countries like Australia implement a guideline regarding the use of fluoridated toothpaste for kids aged 18 months to five years. According to the guidelines, children of this age group must only use small pea-sized dental products containing 0.5 to 0.55 mg/g (500-500 ppm) fluoride. The government also wants kids from this demographic supervised by adults while brushing their teeth to remind them to spit out the toothpaste.
Perks of Using Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
There are some benefits that you can get from using fluoride-free toothpaste. It includes:
Safer Choice for Young Kids
Most of the time, kiddie toothpaste comes in fruity or bubble gum flavours to make it more appealing to their young palate. If they like the taste of the toothpaste, it will entice them to swallow the paste. Too much ingestion of fluoridated toothpaste can put them at risk of fluorosis. It is a type of dental problem that causes cosmetic damage to the teeth.
Aside from avoiding fluoridated toothpaste, kids must also use a dab of paste on the toothbrush’s bristles when brushing their teeth. It will help avoid unnecessary swallowing of any dental products whether it contains fluoride or not.
Prevents Risk of Physical Damage
Too much fluoride from toothpaste may put your body at risk of damage. Studies claim that the mineral can weaken your bones and ligaments over time. If you switch to a non-fluoridated toothpaste, you will reduce your risk of incurring structural damages to the body.
Other diseases that you may avoid if you reduce your fluoride exposure include:
- Skeletal Fluorosis – A painful bone ailment that can occur when the bones become sponge-like and less elastic. It can lead to impaired mobility of the joints and increased fracture risk.
- Hyperparathyroidism – Ingesting too much fluoride may also cause damages to the parathyroid gland. It may lead to the rampant secretion of parathyroid hormones that may affect the production of calcium in the blood and bones.
Several research links high-fluoride exposure to fluoride concentrations to childhood cognitive disorders and decreased birth rates.
Choosing non-fluoridated toothpaste may still be an unpopular choice among dental experts. But the perks that come with using this type of toothpaste may motivate you to pick the less risky alternative for your overall health.
