Good oral hygiene is important not just for looking good, but more importantly, for good health. Practicing good oral hygiene can prevent gum disease, bad breath, chronic inflammation, and heart disease.
Good dental hygiene is important to prevent these diseases. That is why it is advised that you brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Using good toothpaste is important in maintaining good oral hygiene. However, not all kinds of toothpaste will do. It has been found out that fluoride free toothpaste is the best choice.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is derived from fluorine, which is naturally found in soil, water, and food. It is added to the water supply to reduce the incidence of tooth decay. It is also found in dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.
However, some concerns have been raised regarding the effect of fluoride on health. These effects include problems with the teeth, bones, and neurological development.
Risks of excessive fluoride exposure
There are health issues that are linked to exposure to too much fluoride. Here are some of them:
Dental fluoroscopic
Children who have been exposed to high concentrations of fluoride tend to develop fluoroscopic. Dental fluoroscopic is a cosmetic condition characterized by the appearance of white streaks in the tooth’s enamel. While this does not affect the overall health of the teeth, the discoloration can be noticeable.
It is advised that children under six years old should not be using toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride. It is because young children do not yet know how to properly spit toothpaste. It is why they should also be supervised when brushing their teeth to ensure that they do not swallow the toothpaste.
Another way of preventing dental fluorosis in children is by using fluoride-free water in making up formula milk.
Skeletal fluorosis
Another side effect of excessive fluoride exposure is a bone disease called skeletal fluorosis. This disease can be very painful and damaging to the bones and joints.
With this disease, the bones become less elastic as it hardens, increasing the risk of fractures. It can also cause impaired joint mobility because of bone tissue accumulation.
Fluoride poisoning
Exposure to large quantities of fluoride can cause: Excessive saliva, abdominal pain, seizures and muscle spasms, as well as nausea and vomiting. Fluoride poisoning is only likely to happen when there is accidental contamination of the drinking water.
Other health problems
The Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, an organization that campaigns against added fluoride use, said that too much of the substance might also cause health problems like cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure; arteriosclerosis and arterial calcification, cardiac insufficiency, myocardial damage, and heart failure. It can also cause acne and other skin issues, and even reproductive issues like early puberty in girls and lower fertility.
Other known problems include joints and bone conditions like osteoarthritis, temporomandibular joint disorder, and cancer; thyroid dysfunction and neurological issues that can lead to ADHD.
Fluoride can be good for the teeth and can prevent tooth decay. However, it is also a neurotoxin, which can be harmful in high doses. There is already enough fluoride in the water to help strengthen the teeth and bones that it is not necessary for toothpaste anymore.
If you are looking to manage the amount of fluoride that enters your body, you should use fluoride free toothpaste. It can help you keep your teeth clean and prevent yourself from contracting health problems.