Fluoride has been an ingredient in commercially available toothpastes for as long as most of us can remember. We don't use it in our toothpaste tablets or mouthwash products. Instead, we prefer hydroxyapatite. Nonetheless, there are plenty of fluoride products still on the market.
We have been hearing a lot about fluoride over the last 6-12 months. In fact, you could make the case that the culture is now questioning the wisdom of adding fluoride to both toothpaste and drinking water. Any concerns we might have about fluoride leads to the inevitable question of why it was ever added to toothpaste to begin with.
Fluoride Is Linked to Good Intentions
Before we go any further, it must be pointed out that those who originally proposed adding fluoride to toothpaste did so with good intentions. They were not intentionally trying to harm people. Rather, the scientific research of the day showed that fluoride could reduce the incidence of both tooth decay and cavities.
It all started when dentists observed fewer cavities and less tooth decay among patients whose drinking water contained high amounts of fluoride. They knew this was the case because fluoride also discolors the teeth. Observations led to scientific research in the 1930s.
That research determined that low levels of fluoride, tightly controlled, could help prevent tooth decay without increasing the risks of discoloration. So beginning in the 1940s, fluoride was introduced into municipal drinking water and toothpaste products. Comprehensive studies in the year since have shown decreases of up to 60% in childhood cavities.
Why It Seems to Help
So what is it about fluoride that makes it so effective in combating tooth decay and cavities? The ability to re-mineralize the teeth. In other words, fluoride both strengthens tooth enamel and promotes remineralization of minor defects. The combined properties help the teeth better withstand the types of damage that lead to tooth decay.
As successful as fluoride has been in reducing childhood cavities, there are now some questions as to its potential long-term harm. We don't yet know just how harmful long-term fluoride exposure could be – if it is harmful at all. But we also know that there is no need to take our chances. We have something else that is equally effective and known to be safe: hydroxyapatite.
A Naturally Occurring Mineral
Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral. Not only that, but upwards of 65-70% of human tooth enamel is made up of it. This tells us something particularly important: the human body makes its own hydroxyapatite. It is not something that has to be introduced externally.
Hydroxyapatite type minerals do the same thing for teeth that fluoride does: strengthen existing enamel and re-mineralize areas where the enamel has worn away. By using a hydroxyapatite toothpaste or toothpaste tablets, you are supplementing the natural volume of hydroxyapatite in tooth enamel. Supplementation strengthens your teeth and makes them more resilient against decay.
It turns out that hydroxyapatite also reduces tooth sensitivity by way of a protective barrier over exposed denton. So by regularly brushing with a hydroxyapatite toothpaste or toothpaste tablet product, you are ensuring your teeth are less sensitive to certain types of food and beverages.
It's a Better Choice
We don't want to dump on fluoride as a toothpaste ingredient. It has done a fantastic job of reducing cavities over the last 60 years. But we now know there is a better choice in hydroxyapatite. We can substitute hydroxyapatite for fluoride without losing any of the protective benefits. And because the body produces hydroxyapatite anyway, there are very few safety issues to worry about.
