In May, an article published in Gerodontology, a British dental journal, revealed research that concluded that “personal oral hygiene in the absence of fluorides has failed to show a benefit in terms of reducing the incidence of dental caries.”1 Basically, the research revealed that tooth brushing, without using toothpaste with fluoride, does not prevent dental cavities. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, but there has been a slight, but steady, rise in the sales of non-fluoride toothpaste, presumably by consumer who are concerned about the effects of fluoride on their health. That is why it is important to understand what fluoride is and why you need it in your toothpaste.
Like calcium, fluoride is a mineral found in nature. While calcium promotes strong bones, fluoride prevents cavities.
The study of fluoride and tooth decay actually began in the early 1900s in Colorado Springs. Almost 90 percent of the children in the city had brown stains on their teeth. The affliction was dubbed “Colorado Brown Stain.” A renowned dental researcher, Dr. G.V. Black, in collaboration with a young dental school graduate, Frederick McKay, studied this phenomenon for years. Among their finding was the fact that while these children’s teeth were stained, they were surprisingly and inexplicably resistant to decay.2 Over the years, McKay was called to several other towns in the U.S. where children were also showing signs of the Colorado Brown Stain affliction. Eventually, it was determined that high levels of water-borne fluoride were causing this discoloration of tooth enamel. Research eventually determined the level of fluoride in drinking water that would be both safe and prevent tooth decay.
In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city in the world to fluoridate its drinking water. For the next 15 years, researchers monitored the rate of tooth decay among 30,000 Grand Rapids schoolchildren. After just 11 years, the cavity rate dropped more than 60 percent. This was touted as a giant scientific breakthrough, making tooth decay a preventable disease for most people. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named community water fluoridation as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.3
Researchers have extensively studied the possible link between fluoride and cancer. In an article published on the American Cancer Society website it states that, “More than 50 population-based studies have looked at the potential link between water fluoride levels and cancer. Most of these have not found a strong link to cancer.”4 In 1993, the Subcommittee on Health Effects of Ingested Fluoride of the National Research Council, part of the National Academy of Sciences, reviewed data from more than 50 human epidemiologic studies and six animal studies and concluded that “none of the data demonstrated an association between fluoridated drinking water and cancer” and a subsequent report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) supported these findings, reporting that “studies to date have produced no credible evidence of an association between fluoridated drinking water and an increased risk of cancer.”5
The amount of fluoride that people receive through their community fluoridated drinking water and through their toothpastes and mouthwashes is enough to reduce tooth decay, but not enough to harm them. Low doses (up to 20 mg. per day of elemental fluoride) of supplemental fluoride taken by mouth appear to be safe for most people. Higher does are unsafe and can weaken bones and ligaments, and cause muscle weakness and nervous system problems.6 Because children, especially those that are two years of age and under, often swallow toothpaste, it is recommended that they use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride or be given non-fluoridate toothpaste. All toothpaste brands that carry the ADA – American Dental Association – seal of acceptance contain fluoride. If you still have concerns about using a toothpaste with fluoride, it is best to discuss your concerns with a dental professional prior to eliminating this beneficial tooth-saving mineral from your oral hygiene routine.
Sedki Dentistry, Commerce MI is a complete family dental clinic that offers services for all dental health concerns. Dr. Sedki and his experienced staff are professional and committed to providing uncompromised care to their patients. Maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile is their goal. Call Sedki Dentistry today and get started on a healthy, beautiful smile!
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1 Personal oral hygiene and dental caries: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials, by Philippe Pierre Hujoel , Margaux Louise A. Hujoel, Georgios A. Kotsakis, published May 15, 2018
Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ger.12331
2 The Story of Fluoridation, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Link: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/fluoride/the-story-of-fluoridation
3 Fluoride in Water, American Dental Association
Link: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation?utm_medium=VanityUrl
4 Water Fluoridation and Cancer Risk, American Cancer Society, July 28, 2015
Link: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/water-fluoridation-and-cancer-risk.html
5 Fluoridate Water, National Cancer Institute
Link: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/fluoridated-water-fact-sheet
6 Fluoride: Side Effects & Safety, WebMD
Link: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1068/fluoride