We all know teeth brushing is must for a healthy smile. But there’s one common substance in most commercial toothpastes that might not be so great for your teeth. That ingredient is fluoride.

Fluoride as a Neurotoxin: Is It Safe to Have in Toothpaste?

Many mainstream dentists are proponents of fluoride in toothpaste, saying it’s helpful in preventing tooth decay. But others have pointed out the potential dangers of fluoride. So let’s look at some of the facts:

• Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral in the Earth. It’s also present in many foods, but we’re exposed to fluoride in a variety of ways.
• Fluoride is added to tap water, mouth rinses, medicines, drinks, supplements, and toothpastes. It’s also present in air pollution and even some pesticide and herbicide residues.
• Toothpaste, mouthwash, and drinking water are the main sources of fluoride for most of us. The main reason for adding fluoride to things is to prevent tooth decay.

When a Dentist Questions Fluoride Toothpaste

In 2001, a dentist named Dr. Bruno Sharp conducted extensive research on fluoride. He discovered that the combination of fluoride in our water and the foods and drinks we consume daily was linked to many health problems:

• A 2012 study determined fluoride was a potential neurotoxin and even slightly increased exposure could be harmful to the brain.
• Plus, a 2015 Cochrane review found fluoridated water didn’t have the amazing cavity-fighting effects that the decades-old science supported, especially for adults.
• The Environmental Protection Agency has also said that sometimes children can be exposed to too much fluoride.

3 Dangers of Fluoride and Fluoride Toothpaste

So, what’s so bad about fluoride toothpaste? Here are the top three reasons it can be a problem.

1. Fluoride’s Protection Against Tooth Decay Is Questionable

As we’ve mentioned above, a big question is whether the presence of fluoride in toothpaste products is safe or worth the risk.

Some experts will say small amounts of fluoride is worth it if it keeps your teeth healthier. But that benefit is not completely clear:

• For example, a dental survey of 39,000 children conducted by the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), which was the largest ever done, found no statistically significant differences in tooth decay rates between areas where the water was either fluoridated, non-fluoridated, or partially fluoridated.
• In addition, several review papers have claimed communities that discontinue fluoridation of water do not have increased tooth decay rates [1].

2. Fluoride is a Waste Product

Most studies on the benefits of fluoride are based on calcium fluoride, which is different forms of fluoride added to drinking water—sodium fluoride, fluorosilicic acid, or sodium fluorosilicate.

Overall, fluoride that’s added to our water has been used for a number of harmful products throughout the years that make its consumption questionable:

• During the Cold War, huge amounts of fluoride were used in manufacturing of plutonium and uranium for nuclear weapons, according to Fluoride Action Network.
• Sodium fluoride has been used as the active ingredient in rat poison, fungicides, insecticides, and wood preservatives.
• Newer studies have linked fluoride exposure to osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer [2,3].

3. Fluoride Exposure Can Cause Stained Teeth

Those who grow up in an areas with heavily fluoridated water will often experience white, yellow, or brain spots or stains on their teeth. It can also causes a pitted look on the teeth.

This is known as fluorosis, a condition where the tooth enamel doesn’t form normally.

Fluorosis is caused by consuming too much fluoride before the age of eight years old, at a time when the teeth are forming. The EPA has even set a standard of no more than 2.0 mg/L of fluoride in drinking water because of this.

Dentists will recommend children avoid using too much toothpaste or mouthwash to avoid fluorosis. But what if dental products containing fluoride were not used altogether?

Fluoride Free Toothpaste Options

Overall, it’s up to each individual to determine whether or they want to use fluoride toothpaste or fluoride free toothpaste. But the facts above are worth considering when making a decision about the dental health or you and your family.

Look into the fluoride levels of the drinking water in your area, and be mindful of the ingredients in your oral health products.

If you’re looking for all-natural, healthy fluoride free toothpaste alternatives, Nature’s Ideal contains a variety of oral care options from trusted natural brands like Tom’s of Maine, Eco-Dent, Jason, Radius, Desert Essence, and more. Shop our Oral Care section today.