Protective Elements of Fluroide
There is evidence that fluoride offers protection against cavities, and that “in children younger than 6 years it is incorporated into the enamel of permanent teeth, making the teeth more resistant to the action of bacteria and acids from foods (1).”
However...
Bone & Thyroid Dysfunction
Too much fluoride can contribute to bone health issues and thyroid dysfunction, but the amount that we get from toothpaste is most likely not going to provoke those issues.
In this case, fluoride typically becomes problematic when “intake is extremely high; and/or when intake of other important micronutrients and minerals is low and inadequate (2).”
NeuroToxin
Studies have indicated that chronic fluoride exposure could have long-term neurotoxic effects on children including “decreased intelligence and increased prevalence of ADHD” (3).
There is also belief that chronic fluoride exposure could lead to an increase in depression and anxiety, but more research needs to be done.
Microbiome Disruptor
Our oral microbiome has 100% to do with our systemic microbiome - the healthy balance of bacteria, the good and the bad. Fluoride has a tendency to kill off the bad AND the good bacteria, which can throw off the natural healthy microbiome.
Since our gut microbiome and oral microbriome are connected, if you focus on keeping your gut healthy, then your oral health will follow suit, and vice versa.
TOOTHPASTE: WHAT TO CHOOSE
Toothpaste that has no...
Fluoride
Artificial Sweeteners & Dyes
Triclosan
Surfactants
Artificial Sweeteners & Dyes
Many toothpastes use artificial sweeteners like sodium saccharin in order to make it taste better. The studies remain inconclusive on the long-term effects of these sweeteners.
“...many of their purported beneficial effects remain invalidated in large scale clinical studies, and some recent evidence also questions these previously established benefits.”
Until more conclusive studies are done, it’s better to stick with sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol.
Sharma A, Amarnath S, Thulasimani M, Ramaswamy S. Artificial sweeteners as a sugar substitute: Are they really safe? Indian J Pharmacol.
Triclosan
Triclosan is used in antibacterial soaps. It was found to affect heart function in a study performed by the University of California Davis. In 2017, the FDA ruled that triclosan isn’t generally recognized as safe (4).
*Surfactants
Surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate help give toothpaste its foam and lather. There is some research suggesting that sodium lauryl sulfate can cause mouth ulcers and canker sores.
If your child is prone to ulcers, check if their paste contains this ingredient. If it does, consider switching to one without.
*Note: The Tom’s fluoride toothpaste does include SLS, however it’s still one of the better fluoride options I could find.
Sources:
1 Hellwig E, Lennon AM. Systemic versus topical fluoride. Caries Res. 2004 May-Jun;38(3):258-62. doi: 10.1159/000077764. PMID: 15153698.
3 Adkins EA, Brunst KJ. Impacts of Fluoride Neurotoxicity and Mitochondrial Dysfunction on Cognition and Mental Health: A Literature Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec 7
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