Why should you use toothpaste without fluoride?
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in many foods and rivers, lakes, and some oceans. Fluoride has proven its resistance to tooth decay and combating tooth decay, which confirms the reason for its presence in public water extensions, and because of the strength of fluoride in protecting teeth, this is what prompted many manufacturers to manufacture toothpaste containing fluoride, which makes us wonder whether there is an urgent need to use it or No.
Is it necessary to have fluoride in toothpaste?
As we mentioned above, fluoride helps fight tooth decay. It does not cure decay. Many studies that have been conducted have shown that fluoride contributes significantly to rebuilding enamel because it attracts minerals to your teeth. Despite that, getting clean teeth is not required to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. By brushing teeth daily and using toothpastes that do not contain fluoride, teeth can be maintained clean.
As we mentioned earlier also that fluoride is present in the public drinking water supply because of its anti-cavitation, and this is what leads us to the fact that we obtain fluoride naturally through drinking water and most of the food as well, but in small quantities, that will make you think whether the increased amount of fluoride causes harm or not.
What are the damages of fluoride?
Fluoride exposure can cause many damages, here are the following:
Harms of fluoride on children
During childhood, fluoride may cause dental poisoning and the so-called mild fluoride poisoning, which appears as small white spots in the tooth enamel, at first these spots do not affect health, but their appearance is clear, and if not treated and followed up, these spots will develop and become brown.
Children under the age of 6 years should avoid using fluoride, and refer to a specialist doctor to check what is suitable for its use.
Skeletal problems
The use of fluoride in large doses causes problems in the skeleton, which is called skeletal fluorosis. This type of disease appears in the long term, its symptoms include damage and pain in the bones, which makes the bones more vulnerable to fractures, and in severe cases, it leads to impeding movement.
Problems with the parathyroid glands
In rare cases, an increase in the amount of fluoride may cause excessive unbalanced secretion of the parathyroid glands, that is, an increase in the concentration of calcium in the blood and a decrease in the bones, and this makes the bones less flexible and more prone to fractures.
Nerve problems
A study conducted in 2017 published that exposure to fluoride during pregnancy may expose the newborn to neurological problems in the future. In this research, the fluoride content was measured in 299 pregnant women and their children aged 6 to 12 years, as their scores decreased in intelligence tests, which is known as B (IQ).
In a study conducted in 2014, it was found that fluoride is a neurotoxin that may seriously affect children's growth if used with other industrial materials, including:
- Toluene
- Methylmercury
- Lead
Multiple health problems
According to the (IAOMT) International Society of Toxicology and Oral Medicine, this association is fighting against the use of fluoride, due to the following:
- Acne and other skin problems
- Problems with the heart and blood vessels
- Arteriosclerosis and calcification
- high blood pressure
- Heart muscle damage, failure
- Reproductive problems, such as reduced fertility and early puberty for girls
Despite everything that we have mentioned, there are many doctors recommend using toothpaste that contains fluoride, but in small quantities to avoid the symptoms that we mentioned.
You will find that using toothpaste that contains fluoride may expose you to many problems if it is used in high quantities, in addition to that we get it through food and water, this makes you wonder what can be found in the fluoride-free toothpaste, as many manufacturers resort to replacing Fluoride is mixed with baking soda and charcoal.
What are the necessary ingredients in a fluoride-free toothpaste?
Most toothpastes consist of several ingredients, including fluoride. If you prefer a toothpaste that is free of fluoride and meets the purpose required to maintain and protect the cleanliness of the teeth, make sure that there are several ingredients, namely:
- Triclosan (TCS), is an antimicrobial and antibacterial ingredient that helps reduce gingivitis and tartar.
- Potassium Nitrate (KNO3), a desensitizing agent that helps people with sensitive teeth.
- Zinc stearate, which is an antibacterial, works with triclosan to protect against tartar.
- Sulfates, which are foaming agents, include sodium lauryl sarcosinate (SLS) and sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Abrasive materials, such as silica gel desiccant, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, aqueous aluminum oxides, silicates, phosphate salts, and these materials help remove bacteria from the teeth and also work to whiten the teeth by removing surface stains.
In the event of any sensitivity due to the use of toothpaste that contains the ingredients mentioned above, it is most likely due to (SLS), but this sensitivity is in rare cases.
Conclusion
Fluoride is an important element that is included in the composition of most toothpastes on the market, but good oral and dental care and use of fluoride-free toothpastes will suffice to maintain clean and strong teeth, and choosing your toothpaste depends on several factors, including:
- Personal desire
- The opinion of your doctor
- Your teeth's response to fluoride
- What fluoride causes from side effects
- Allergy or similar
We need more scientific studies to compare the fluoride-containing toothpastes with those without it, due to the constant controversy and disagreement among scientists about the importance of this substance.
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