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We all know that toothpaste is key in keeping your teeth healthy and helping prevent cavities. But when choosing one, you’ll notice there are options with fluoride and others without it. Both can be useful in protecting your teeth, but have you ever wondered which one dentists recommend?

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral emitted from rocks into the land, water, and atmosphere. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fluoride is present in all drinking water, but many communities supplement their drinking water sources with extra fluoride.

While you can (and most likely will) obtain enough fluoride from drinking water, dentists usually suggest fluoride toothpaste. That’s because the mineral is more concentrated in a tube (than in water), making it even more efficient in keeping dangerous germs at bay and preventing cavities.

The History of Fluoride in Fighting Tooth Decay

The link between fluoride and oral health goes back to the early 1900s. Dentists in the United States noticed people living in certain areas had fewer cavities, but many also had stained teeth. After some digging, they realised the water in those areas naturally contained high levels of fluoride.

In the 1930s, a dentist named Dr Henry Trendley Dean did more research and discovered that fluoride in lower amounts could prevent cavities without causing staining. This led to the idea of adding controlled amounts of fluoride to public water systems. The first city to try this was Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945, which proved to be a huge success in reducing tooth decay.

Since then, fluoride has become a key ingredient in things like toothpaste and mouthwash, and it’s considered one of the most effective ways to keep teeth healthy and prevent cavities.

How Does Fluoride Strengthen Teeth?

Fluoride strengthens teeth through a process called remineralisation.

Tooth enamel – the outer protective layer of your teeth – is mostly composed of minerals like calcium and phosphate. However, during the day, acids produced by bacteria (often as a result of consuming sugary or starchy foods) begin to erode this enamel by stripping away these essential minerals.

When fluoride is introduced, either through toothpaste or fluoridated water, it plays a crucial role in reversing this damage.

Fluoride helps to pull calcium and phosphate back to the surface of the teeth, restoring lost minerals and strengthening the enamel, making it more resilient and better able to resist future acid attacks.

Fluoride also combines with the calcium and phosphate in saliva to form a new, stronger compound called fluorapatite. This mineral is more acid-resistant than the original enamel structure, providing extra protection against cavities and decay.

Fluoride also affects the bacteria in plaque by reducing their ability to produce acid, which further helps protect enamel from decay.

Why Use Fluoride-Free Toothpaste?

Given the many benefits of fluoride toothpastes, you might be asking why would you want to go for a fluoride-free option?

When too much fluoride is consumed, it can cause dental fluorosis, where white spots or streaks may develop on the teeth. This issue is more common in children with developing teeth, which are more vulnerable to overexposure.

Although most experts agree that fluoride is safe when used in moderation, some are concerned about potential health effects from overexposure to fluoride, such as links to thyroid problems or other health issues.

For those who follow a natural or organic lifestyle, fluoride-free toothpaste may be the preferred option. Lastly, some may have allergies or sensitivities to fluoride, which can lead to irritation or discomfort.

Conclusion

When deciding between fluoride and non-fluoride toothpaste, experts recommend the former. However, if you are uncomfortable using a fluoride product for whatever reason, there are alternatives available. Are you still trying to decide which toothpaste is right for you? Consult your dentist for personalised suggestions. Your Affinity Dental plan allows you to find a network dentist nearest to you.