Fluoride toothpaste is a daily staple in every household for each member’s oral needs. Although there are various types of toothpaste available in today’s market, fluoride is the most frequently used one. Typically, people use dental products containing this mineral to brush their teeth. However, there has been some discussion about whether or not fluoride toothpaste is safe and effective. And that’s what we’re going to clarify today.
In this article, we will share the pros and cons of fluoride toothpaste, so keep reading to learn more!
What to know about fluoride
Before we go any further, let’s first discuss what fluoride is. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found on the earth. It can also be found in your bones and minerals and water, soil, plants, rocks, and air.
In most cases, it is used in dentistry to strengthen the outer layer of your teeth called enamel and in water supplies added in small amounts. As it is mainly used to improve your dental health, it is present in many over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and supplements.
Drawbacks of fluoride toothpaste
While it is a naturally occurring mineral, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it can be consumed. This is because when ingested, particularly in large quantities, it can be poisonous to the human body. It can actually lead to the following circumstances:
- Dental fluorosis: This occurs with too much fluoride when your teeth are still forming under your gums. The chances are that you’ll see white spots on your teeth’ surface. It may not cause symptoms to adults, but it may affect children below eight years old, as their permanent teeth are yet to develop fully.
- Skeletal fluorosis: This is similar to dental fluorosis. But the difference lies in the fact that it affects the bones instead of the teeth. Its symptoms include joint pain and stiffness and can lead to bone structure alteration and ligament calcification over time.
The benefits of fluoride toothpaste
Now, let’s cover the benefits of fluoride toothpaste that are already known to us and why we’re dependent on it. Below are some of these:
- Remineralization: It helps rebuild your weakened tooth enamel.
- Mineral supply: It slows down the loss of minerals from the tooth enamel.
- Tooth decay prevention: It reverses the early signs of tooth decay.
- Stopping bacterial growth: It stops the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
The benefits mentioned above are just some of the major ones of using fluoride toothpaste. However, it’s one matter to brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste, and it’s another to see your dentist regularly. If you want to take care of your teeth and overall oral health, visiting your dentist at least twice a year will still go a long way.
Our team of highly reliable dentists in Raleigh offers superior dental care services. Our goal is to foster the overall oral health of our clients through excellent dental treatments or procedures. If you’re looking to take good care of your oral health beyond brushing and flossing, we’ve got you covered!
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that the use of fluoride toothpaste is deemed beneficial in dentistry. But just be wary of ingesting it to avoid some drawbacks mentioned above. Also, be highly critical and selective when choosing your toothpaste product. Ultimately, visiting your dentist regularly can make all the difference in taking good care of your overall oral health!
Here at Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry, we provide a wide range of dental services, from general dentistry to restorative dentistry down to dental emergencies. If you need a dentist in Raleigh for your oral care, get in touch with us today to make an appointment!
