Fluoride has long been a hotly contested ingredient. Fluoride proponents boast about its ability to help you recover from cavities and address minor tooth decay before it becomes too significant. However, others pose concerns about the risk it presents to your overall health. But does opting for fluoride-free oral hygiene products actually protect your smile? 

While you may be wary about the overuse of fluoride and the risk it poses, choosing fluoride-free products can lead to long-term damage, especially if you aren’t using appropriate alternatives. If you’re considering cutting fluoride out of your everyday oral hygiene routine, keep reading to learn why you should be careful before taking this next step. 

What is Fluoride? 

Fluoride is a mineral found in a variety of foods and most public water sources. Since the 1940s, this ingredient has been used regularly during professional dental treatments and in at-home oral hygiene products. Its popularity among dental care professionals is due to its ability to strengthen and remineralize teeth, reducing the risk of cavity development. 

The most common at-home fluoride products are toothpaste and mouthwash. However, individuals experiencing a fluoride deficiency may be prescribed higher-concentration liquid or tablet forms of the mineral. Your dental team may also use a foam, varnish, or gel fluoride solution on your teeth at the end of your twice-yearly dental cleaning. 

Fluoride use should begin when an infant’s first tooth emerges. However, it is important to use an appropriate amount of fluoride, as overuse of the ingredient can lead to streaks appearing on your teeth. With fluoride-based oral hygiene products, you shouldn’t ever have to worry about being fluoride deficient. 

What Are The Risks of Cutting Out Fluoride Products

Although fluoride has been regularly used in dental care for almost a century, it has recently become a more divisive issue. Some people claim fluoride poses a risk to your overall health and believe fluoride-free products are better for your oral health. While this might seem tempting, using fluoride-free products can lead to a variety of oral health problems, including: 

• Increased Cavity Development: When you use fluoride on teeth with early-stage damage, it can remineralize your teeth. When you use fluoride-free oral hygiene products, you miss out on this remineralization, making your teeth more susceptible to damage from the acid created by your oral bacteria, leading to cavity development.  
• Weakening Bones: Regular fluoride use throughout your life stimulates bone growth and encourages increased bone mineral density. If you choose to use fluoride-free products throughout your life, this may lead to weakened bones and increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. 

While you may be tempted to incorporate fluoride-free oral hygiene products into your routine, it is essential that you do appropriate research beforehand. Choosing to use any fluoride-free products without looking into essential alternatives can lead to devastating dental damage and incredibly costly treatments. 

Ingredients to Look For In Your Fluoride-Free Alternatives

Even though fluoride is a great oral hygiene ingredient, it isn’t best for everyone, including those with a fluoride allergy or increased tooth sensitivity. If you are still wary about using fluoride and instead want to create a fluoride-free dental care routine, there are a few ingredients you should look into that also protect your teeth, including: 

• Xylitol: While xylitol is a popular sugar-free alternative, some studies have found it effective in remineralizing teeth. If you cut fluoride out of your oral hygiene routine, consider looking for toothpaste or mouthwash with xylitol or sugar-free xylitol candies and chewing gum. 
• Hydroxyapatite: Some studies have found hydroxyapatite to be beneficial for tooth remineralization, similar to fluoride. This most popular fluoride alternative is found in fluoride-free toothpastes, making it one of the most easily accessible products for anyone wanting to limit their use. 
• Calcium: This mineral is a major ingredient in bone health, including strong enamel. In addition to strengthening your enamel, it aids in proper saliva production. If you’re cutting out fluoride, you may want to look for a product with calcium or incorporate a calcium supplement into your diet. 

Why You Need to Maintain Dental Appointments After Giving Up Fluoride

If you’ve chosen to cut fluoride products out of your oral hygiene routine, it is essential that you continue attending regular appointments with a trusted dental team. When you give up these products, you increase your risk of developing cavities, especially if you don’t incorporate alternative products into your routine.

When you visit your dentist for teeth cleanings, they can look for signs of cavity development to ensure your new oral hygiene routine still meets your needs. They may also provide additional treatment options on top of your cleanings and make suggestions if they believe your oral hygiene routine isn’t protecting your teeth appropriately.

Choosing to disregard the advice provided by your dental team can have a devastating impact on your smile. Your dental hygienist can catch signs of decay in its earliest stages. When they make additional treatment suggestions, it is because they are concerned about the worsening of existing dental problems. 

Sometimes, your dental team may be unable to perform standard services, like cleanings, until dental health conditions are treated. Failing to treat them and foregoing your regular cleanings can worsen oral health and may put you at risk of tooth loss. If you cut out fluoride products, follow their advice as closely as possible. 

Protect Your Teeth At Mountain View Dental

Whether you love fluoride or believe fluoride-free products are best for you, regular appointments with a trusted dental team are essential. With their support, you can avoid cavity development and ensure you always have your healthiest smile. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the North Ogden area, turn to our team at Mountain View Dental.

With years of experience helping patients across the area achieve their best smile, we’re confident we can do the same for you. From dental cleanings and periodontal treatments to veneers, teeth whitening, and more, we’re certain we have the tools to help you achieve your brightest, whitest smile.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.