22 march 2022

Is fluoride good for our teeth?


You've probably heard of fluoride, this natural mineral that helps protect teeth against cavities and is present in many commercially available toothpastes. 🪥

However, fluoride is subject to many controversies regarding its possible negative effects on teeth and overall health. But then, is this substance good or bad for your health? 🧐

MyVariations tells you more in this article...

What is fluoride and where is it found?

In order to familiarize yourself a little with the essential mineral that is fluorine, it is important to know its origin and its properties.

In its early days, around the 16th century, fluorine was used to etch glass in the form of fluorite. 💎

More recently, scientists have discovered that fluoride plays several major roles in favor of our health, both in the teeth and in bone and cartilage tissue. 🦴 Indeed, Along with calcium and phosphorus, fluorine is one of the most important components of these elements in our body.

Fluoride is an essential trace element for our overall health. 🩺 Moreover, it is naturally present in our body, especially in teeth, cartilage and bones. It is also found in variable quantities in certain foods such as tea, sea fish, dates, cabbage, carrots, onions, asparagus or spinach for example. 🥬 Fluorine is also present in many mineral waters, and some countries even add it to running water. 🚰

The major industrial groups have therefore begun to add fluoride in large quantities to certain everyday consumer products (fluoride toothpaste, salts, etc.) in the belief that consumers will benefit from the maximum benefits of fluoride. 🤷‍♀️

However, as essential as it is, this trace element can become harmful if consumed in excess. This fluoride overdose is commonly called fluorosis.

What are the benefits of fluoride?

The best known and most useful benefit of fluoride for our oral and overall health is that it helps prevent cavities. Note that, from a global point of view, 2.3 billion people suffer from permanent dental caries (that's a lot of people!). It is therefore a very widespread and very common concern, against which all defenses are good to use. 🪖

And fluorine is an excellent one. It strengthens tooth enamel , slows down dental erosion and helps prevent dental caries by making them stronger and better protected. Fluoride contains no calories, so it can be safely added to toothpastes to take better care of our teeth. 🦷

The therapeutic value of the action of fluoride (applied topically) in the treatment of incipient caries has been clinically proven by several studies, and its effectiveness is recognized worldwide by professionals in the dental sector. 👩‍⚕️

The Cochrane Institute has also conducted a general study on the effects of fluoride, with thousands of people of different ages for 36 months. The results of this study, published in 2018, clearly show that fluoride reduces the development of cavities, especially in young children. 👶

However, certain precautions should be taken to avoid fluorosis (excess fluoride in the body).

What are the negative effects of fluoride?

Indeed, if you consume too much fluoride, there is a risk for the body: fluorosis. It can damage the skeleton, then the kidneys in the most serious cases. Fluorosis is manifested by the appearance of spots on the enamel of the teeth in the majority of patients. These stains occur due to hypomineralization of the enamel. This gives a look that fluorosis patients describe as “aesthetically unappealing” to the teeth. 🤕

Thus, the fluoride dosage of your toothpaste must vary according to age, in order to have the best protection against cavities but also to avoid any risk of overdose which can cause fluorosis during childhood on future permanent teeth. .

How to properly use fluoride for dental health?

As mentioned earlier in the article, WHO guidelines for the use of fluoridated toothpaste vary depending on the age of the consumer. ☝️ Therefore, it is recommended to choose a toothpaste containing 250 to 600 ppm of fluoride for children from 2 to 3 years old. From 3 to 6 years, we recommend a fluoride toothpaste between 500 and 1000 ppm. For children over 6 years old, the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) recommends a fluoridated toothpaste between 1000 and 1500 ppm, as for adults. Note that the average dose of fluoride present in the majority of toothpastes is 1450 ppm. Toothpastes with a higher fluoride dose are intended for people with very strong tendencies to develop cavities. 🙅‍♂️

These fluoridated toothpastes, although beneficial for the teeth, must however be used sparingly, as their excessive use can lead to various fluorosis-related side effects. Children under seven should only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste (no more, no less! 😉).

In addition, it is recommended to spit out the contents of the mouth well after brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste, rather than rinsing your mouth with water. This is so that the fluoride can remain in contact with the dental surfaces for a longer period, and therefore exert its anti-caries action correctly.

However, we would like to point out that the best way to prevent dental caries and slow down their development (or even stop it completely) is to adopt a balanced diet (not too sweet, too cold, too hot, too spicy, too acidic ) as well as applying good hygiene measures. 🪥
Indeed, thermal changes can sensitize tooth enamel .

Thus, the regular elimination of dental plaque by brushing your teeth with the right, daily and effective method is essential. At the rate of 2 times a day for 2 minutes with the appropriate use of fluoridated toothpaste, without forgetting the annual control visit to the dentist. 💉

In order to facilitate the application of these dental hygiene measures, the My Variations brand markets sonic electric toothbrushes. Thanks to the thousands of vertical micro-movements of their bristles, they offer extremely effective brushing against dental plaque, while remaining gentle on gums and enamel. 👄 They are also equipped with an integrated timer programmed at 2 minutes, to respect the time of optimal tooth brushing. ⏳


Discover our toothbrushes

To sum up ...

Is fluoride good for health? The answer is yes, but it should be used with caution. 🤏

Its bad reputation comes from its first uses in consumer products, at a time when the effects of excess fluoride were unknown.

However, fluoride remains an essential trace element for oral and overall health, due to its preventive action against dental caries. It does not present any inconvenience for the organism when it is precisely dosed. 🤗

Thus, we will give preference to:

  • 250 to 600 ppm fluoride for children 2 to 3 years old
  • 1000 to 1500 ppm of fluoride for children over 3 years old
  • 500 to 1000 ppm 3 to 6 years
  • 1000 to 1500 ppm for children over 6 and adults

Since the average dose of fluoride in toothpaste is 1450 ppm, higher dose toothpastes are only rarely available over the counter, and are classified as prescription drugs. 📝 Overdose of fluoride can also give rise to unsightly stains on tooth enamel, but it can also affect bones and kidneys in the most serious cases. 🤒

The best prevention against cavities nevertheless remains a good thorough and effective brushing of teeth, for 2 minutes at least 2 times a day. 😌

Now that you are an expert in fluoride, why not become one on other subjects? Read the other My Variations articles right here: https://myvariations.com/blogs/infos

Looking for the perfect toothbrush?

Say goodbye to bleeding gums and other gum problems thanks to MyVariations' 5 different brushing modes that adapt to your sensitivity! 🖐

filter_Onyx-Black
Electric Toothbrush
From €64,04 €74,90
Shop

Other products that may interest you ...

Image to render
13 august 2024
Leucoplasie buccale – Causes, symptômes et traitement
Vous observez des plaques grisâtres sur vos gencives, joues intérieures, votre langue ou votre palais ? Vous souffrez peut-être d'une leucoplasie buccale ...
Image to render
12 august 2024
Recognizing the Symptoms of Gingivitis: A Complete Guide to Optimal Oral Health
Do you think you have gingivitis but aren't entirely sure? Read this article to know all the symptoms of gingivitis!
Image to render
12 august 2024
Dental Erosion: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention Strategies
Do you notice wear on your teeth? We tell you everything you need to know about dental erosion!
Image to render
30 july 2024
Oral candidiasis or oral thrush: symptoms, causes and treatment?
Do you think you have oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis?
Discover the causes and possible treatments!
Image to render
29 july 2024
Brossage des dents : combien de temps pour être réellement efficace ?
Quel temps faut-il pour réaliser un vrai, un bon brossage de dents ? On vous dit tout !
Image to render
08 june 2024
La cellulite dentaire : symptômes, causes, traitements et prévention
Vous ressentez une douleur au niveau de la mâchoire ou du visage, un gonflement est apparu ou une rougeur ? Vous êtes peut-être victime de cellulite dentaire ! Apprenez-en plus ...
Image to render
08 june 2024
Abcès des gencives : symptômes, causes, traitements, on vous dit tout !
Les abcès des gencives doivent impérativement être pris au sérieux ! Sachez-en plus dans cet article !
Image to render
08 june 2024
Gum infection: understand and act
Vos gencives sont inflammées ? Vous font mal ? Vous avez peut-être une infection de la gencive !
Image to render
03 may 2024
Prévenir la stomatite : conseils et techniques de prévention
Vous avez des douleurs, rouges, gonflements ou même des plaies dans la bouche ? Vous êtes peut-être victime d'une stomatite ! Sachez comment la prévenir grâce à cet article !
Image to render
03 may 2024
How to remove tartar from braces?
Le tartre peut vite s'accumuler dans les appareils dentaires. Sachez comment faire pour éviter cela, et les gingivites que cela pourrait entraîner !
Image to render
17 april 2024
Electric toothbrush from what age?
Does your little wolf ask for an electric toothbrush? Know what to say to him!
Image to render
09 april 2024
Bleeding gums: how to avoid them?
How to avoid bleeding gums?
Image to render
05 april 2024
At what age can my child use an electric toothbrush?
Your children's teeth need special care! Find out which ones in this article!
Image to render
29 february 2024
Gum recession: causes and treatments
Do you notice a reduction in the surface area of ​​your gums? You may be a victim of gum recession!
Image to render
09 february 2024
Gum inflammation: causes, symptoms and treatment
Do you have pain in your gums or notice redness? She may be inflamed! Learn the causes, symptoms and treatments for this common problem!
Image to render
04 february 2024
What type of bristles should you choose for your toothbrush?
Hard, medium or soft bristles for your toothbrush? We tell you everything!
Image to render
05 january 2024
Contraindications for sonic toothbrushes? Things to know
Are you wondering if sonic toothbrushes are right for your needs? We answer you in this article!
Image to render
02 january 2024
How to choose your electric toothbrush?
You want to switch to the electric toothbrush but you don't know what to choose? We explain to you!
Image to render
21 december 2023
Interdental cleaning for optimal oral health
Become an expert in interdental cleaning, the key to a truly clean mouth!
Image to render
15 december 2023
Electric or manual toothbrush: how to choose?
Are you hesitating to switch to an electric toothbrush?
We explain to you what the differences are compared to a manual brush!
Image to render
24 november 2023
White spot on the gums: Causes and treatments
Have you noticed a white spot on your gums? Find out now what it is thanks to this article!
Image to render
12 november 2023
How to recognize periodontitis from gingivitis?
Your gums make you suffer but you don't know if it's gingivitis or periodontitis? MyVariations helps you see things more clearly!
Image to render
12 november 2023
Tooth loosening and rolling back of the gums at the level of the tooth: what treatment?
Receding gums and dental loosening, know what treatment to apply!
Image to render
09 november 2023
Gum pain: how to treat painful gums and find a healthy mouth?
Do you have gum pain? Find out what the cause is and what treatment to adopt!
Image to render
09 november 2023
Electric toothbrushes: rather rotary or sonic technology?
Should we favor an oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush, or a sonic one? We help you make your choice!
Image to render
28 september 2023
Ultimate guide to using an interdental brush for impeccable hygiene.
Here's a summary of everything you need to know about interdental brushes!
Image to render
Santé dentaire 11 september 2023
How to recognize normal gums and keep them healthy?
We tell you everything you need to know about normal, healthy gums and how to preserve their health!
Image to render
04 september 2023
Canker sores on the gums: Causes, prevention and effective treatments
Do you have a canker sore on your gums? Learn what factors can cause these painful lesions, and how to treat them!
Image to render
08 august 2023
Mouth ulcer: causes and treatment!
Do you often have mouth ulcers and don't know where it can come from or how to treat them? We will explain everything to you !
Image to render
31 july 2023
Keeping gums healthy: practical tips and techniques
We give you the keys to keeping healthy gums and taking care of your oral and gingival health in this article!
Image to render
25 july 2023
Everything you need to know about gray teeth: causes, treatment and prevention
Do you have one or more gray teeth and you don't know how to fix it? This article will teach you more about this phenomenon and its solutions!
Image to render
17 july 2023
Gingival abscess: causes and solutions
Do you have a very bad gum and you are afraid that it is an abscess? Learn more about this pathology, its causes and its solutions!
Image to render
28 june 2023
Tooth enamel: All you need to know about its importance, health and protection
Would you like to know more about tooth enamel? Learn everything you need to know about this amazing compound, its importance, and how to care for it!
Image to render
21 june 2023
How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide to Optimal Oral Hygiene
Be sure to use the right technique for brushing your teeth with this detailed article!
Image to render
14 june 2023
Pimples on the Gum: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention
Have you noticed one or more pimples on your gums? Discover in this article what are the causes and remedies!
Image to render
31 may 2023
Xerostomia: Causes, Consequences and Treatments for Optimal Oral Health
Do you very often have dry mouth and don't know where it comes from? Let us tell you more about this common concern!
Image to render
30 may 2023
Periodontitis, foods to avoid
Did you know that you could reduce the risk of periodontitis by adapting your diet? We tell you more here!
Image to render
15 may 2023
Teeth scaling to do at home, a bad idea
Have you thought about trying to do a descaling yourself at home? Find out here the reasons why this is really not a good idea!
Image to render
20 april 2023
Rotten tooth: causes, treatments and prevention!
Do you have one or more rotten teeth? Know how to identify the causes of such a situation, and learn how to deal with it!
Image to render
02 april 2023
White spot on the tooth: cause and solution
Are you complexed by white spots on your teeth? Finally, discover the causes and solutions!
Image to render
16 march 2023
Black dental tartar on the gum: cause and treatment
Do you have black tartar on your gums? Learn what causes it and find the right treatment!
Image to render
08 march 2023
Brown teeth: what are these brown spots due to?
Do you have one or more brown teeth? discover the reasons for this phenomenon and how to overcome it
Image to render
02 march 2023
How to strengthen your gums?
Do you have sensitive gums and are you tired of suffering from them? Learn how to strengthen your gums!
Image to render
22 february 2023
How to have fresh breath? Our advices !
Is your bad breath making you uncomfortable? Here are our tips to fix it!
Image to render
14 february 2023
Acidity in the mouth: causes and treatment
Do you have an acidic and unpleasant sensation in your mouth? Find out what could be the causes!