Fluoride-containing toothpastes are dangerous to human health

What role does fluoride play in our body?

When answering the question of what fluorine is and why it is needed, it should immediately be explained that in its pure form this element is a rather poisonous and toxic gas. However, in products and hygiene products this substance is contained in the form of salts - sodium or calcium fluoride. In this form, it can bring tangible benefits to the body.

Our need for this element is no more than three milligrams per day.

So, what does fluoride do in toothpaste and why is it needed? First of all, it supports the natural mineralization of bone tissue, making it strong and at the same time elastic. Sufficient intake of this substance into the body promotes the growth of nails and hair, strengthening of dental tissues. In addition, it provides additional protection for the body from the effects of pathogenic microflora, improves immunity, and helps eliminate toxins and heavy metals.

Bottom line

By purchasing a cheap exotic product that has not been tested by scientific experiments, you are putting your dental health at great risk. Skimping on toothpaste can result in expensive dental treatment. Thinned enamel, multiple caries, inflammatory processes in the gums - the result of the pursuit of the exotic.

While our domestic herbs and animal supplements have been tested in research institutes and have many years of experience in use, exotic plants and biological supplements have not been studied by anyone. Our doctors cannot answer the question about the benefits or disadvantages of an exotic plant extract offhand.

It is quite possible that the pastes do not harm Thai citizens. But this is due to the quality of their diet and the structure of drinking water. It is possible that the plant extracts and biological extracts indicated on the labels fit harmoniously into the metabolic processes of the Thais and are beneficial. But the experience of using pastes by our compatriots does not give positive results. This should be remembered and known.

Thai products are sold in concentrated form, so the “more is better” principle can simply harm dental health. For one cleaning, a small pea of ​​the product is enough to effectively remove plaque and refresh the oral cavity. Pastes foam well, so an excessive dose can lead to very strong foaming.

You should not be tempted by the cheapness and purchase the treasured jars from street vendors in Thailand or on dubious resources on the Internet. They may sell you a fake instead of real pasta.

Sources used:

• Spielman AI The Birth of the Most Important 18th Century Dental Text: Pierre Fauchard's Le Chirurgien Dentist // Journal of Dental Research, 2007
• Kopetsky I. S., Pobozhyeva L. V. Modern therapeutic and prophylactic means for individual oral hygiene // General Medicine. — 2012
• Fedorov, Yu. A. Oral hygiene / Yu.A. Fedorov. — M.: Medicine

Why is this component so important for dental health - the benefits of the substance

The content of this element in oral care products protects against caries, makes enamel stronger, effectively removes plaque and fights pathogenic microflora. Let's take a closer look at the undoubted advantages of this component.

Prevention of caries

The enamel is constantly exposed to aggressive acids that are released with saliva. Food remains and other external factors lead to the formation of plaque, which gradually transforms into hard dental deposits, leading to the destruction of the enamel layer. As a result, a white spot first appears, which darkens and turns into a carious cavity.

The photo shows caries at the spot stage

Fluorine penetrates the crystal lattice of enamel, strengthens it and increases resistance to pathogenic microorganisms. It provides prevention of caries and prevents its further development, even if the disease is already at the white spot stage.

Decalcification protection

The substance promotes a process called “remyelination” - the transition of ions from the blood to the body’s tissues. Saliva, which is produced during food intake, leads to the opposite effect, that is, loss of calcium from dental tissues. When calcium and fluoride ions enter the oral cavity, they penetrate the crystal lattice of the enamel, strengthening it and preventing the destruction of hard tissues under the influence of saliva.

Strengthening enamel

The basis of enamel is calcium hydroxyapatite. By interacting with the microelement in question, this salt is converted into a new substance - fluorine hydroxyapatite. Thus, the microelement in question acts as a calcium protector, protecting it from the aggressive effects of acids in the oral cavity.

Prevention of the growth of pathogenic microflora

Pathogenic microorganisms that form plaque secrete special enzymes necessary for the breakdown of carbohydrates and their absorption. Our substance blocks the production of these enzymes, which prevents the further spread of pathogenic microflora.

Fluoride works great against plaque

“I have been using fluoride toothpaste for a year now and am very pleased with the results! About six months ago I bought myself an irrigator, so with them, every morning cleaning feels like after professional hygiene at the dentist. I recently had a preventive examination and there were no problems with the enamel. And I myself understand that sensitivity has not appeared, the teeth are white, without spots or irregularities. It seems to me personally that all this hysteria about the harm of such products is greatly exaggerated!”

AlesyaK., Moscow, from correspondence on the woman.ru forum

Stopping the secretion of lactic acid

This microelement blocks excess lactic acid synthesis, thereby effectively suppressing the growth of pathogenic microflora. This acid is produced by microorganisms during their life and reproduction. Products containing this component prevent this process, thereby providing additional protection for the enamel.

Why is tooth enamel destroyed?

Unfortunately, regular visits to the dentist do not guarantee the integrity of the enamel. As a rule, tooth surface destruction is provoked by a number of factors, the most common of which are:

• Mechanical damage to the crown - strong squeezing of the jaw, blows, opening lids and caps with teeth, gnawing on nuts and seeds.
• Temperature effects - alternating exposure to cold and hot temperatures provokes the appearance of cracks in the enamel.
• Caries, obvious or latent, is the main cause of enamel destruction.

Often weak enamel and bad teeth are inherited.

A common cause of enamel destruction is a lack of calcium in the body. Due to the small amount of this element, its demineralization occurs and its protective properties decrease. Various chronic diseases can also affect the condition of the oral cavity:

• gastritis (gastroduodenitis);
• hypertension;
• disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine system;
• dysfunction of the salivary glands;
• nervous disorders;
• pathological bite;
• bruxism;

Doctors include additional reasons for enamel destruction:

• poor nutrition;
• excessive alcohol consumption;
• smoking;
• breathing through the mouth.

Enamel suffers especially in women during pregnancy. This condition completely changes the body at the hormonal level, which inevitably affects the absorption of calcium and the strength of tooth enamel. The baby in the womb takes the necessary vitamins and microelements for itself, and if the mother does not have enough of them, the enamel will begin to deteriorate first.

What types of pastes with fluoride compounds are there?

Products that contain this component are usually classified as therapeutic and prophylactic. If the concentration is insignificant, then the product will be considered hygienic. Different salts of this component can be presented in different forms: amino fluorides, sodium fluorides, sodium monofluorophosphates and others. Pastes with a high content of the substance are recommended for use in courses.

Such pastes are usually therapeutic and prophylactic

As for the question of which toothpaste does not contain fluoride, the range of possible alternatives is less diverse. Products that do not contain fluoride usually contain other active ingredients, which are also characterized by their own advantages and disadvantages.

Flaws

The biggest drawback of this product is that the contents do not correspond to what is indicated on the packaging. Manufacturers write only about those qualities of their products that can attract a gullible buyer. Often, pastes contain harmful components that negatively affect the condition of the enamel and soft structures of the oral cavity.

The price to pay for the desire to have a stellar smile can be the abrasion of enamel and damage to the structure of the teeth. Buyers should be aware that herbal formulations without preservatives have a limited shelf life. However, manufacturers conceal information about the use of these products in their products.

Pastes made from natural ingredients cannot foam. Foaming indicates the presence of active substances of a synthetic nature in the composition. Herbal components themselves do not have the high cleansing characteristics that manufacturers claim. This means that the composition of Thai pastes contains abrasive substances that are harmful to the enamel.

Thai herbal pastes contain sodium lauryl phosphate and preservatives.

Advertising of Thai products on the Internet is also based on information from manufacturers, that is, not verified. You can verify the effectiveness or harm of Thai products only from your own experience - by purchasing the toothpaste offered at your own risk.

Enamel whitening occurs mechanically, that is, by removing its top layer. Therefore, after some time, teeth become sensitive to hot/cold food. Achieving a white smile can simply destroy the covering layer of enamel and cause dental problems.

Can it be used by children?

When choosing a product for children's teeth, it is important to assess the possible risks - whether it will bring more benefit or harm in your particular case. And to do this, you should first show your child to the dentist and consult with him about purchasing the most suitable toothpaste.

You should also take into account that most young children swallow part of the paste during brushing, and this can cause undesirable consequences, including stomach and intestinal upset. So, the concentration of the component should not exceed 1500 ppm1 - this is how this indicator will be indicated on the packaging, indicating how much of the substance is contained in this paste.

For a child, you need to choose only children's toothpaste

However, modern manufacturers also produce fairly effective and safe fluoride products for children, which provide excellent prevention of childhood caries. But it can only be used in courses and according to the indications of a pediatric dentist.

What harm could it do?

Fluoride is found not only in hygiene products, but also in food and even tap water. The acceptable daily intake is approximately 3 mg. But in certain regions and localities, the content of the substance in running water greatly exceeds the norm, which can lead to an overdose of this microelement, especially in children.

So, why is it considered that such pastes are harmful, and why is an excess of this substance dangerous? Let's start with the fact that the element in question is characterized by toxicity and the ability to accumulate in tissues, including tooth enamel - this is one of the reasons why such products cannot be used constantly.

When this happens, a pathology called fluorosis develops. White spots appear on the teeth, after which they become noticeably darker, literally corroding hard tissue. This condition requires treatment by a dentist. In such cases, specialists usually prescribe remineralization and fluoridation, as well as the use of special hygiene products that help restore damaged tissue.

An excess of the substance in the body can cause fluorosis

Abrasive

The first thing we will look for in a toothpaste is an abrasive , which is also the main filler that provides the cleansing properties of the paste.

• Gentle abrasives: silicon dioxide, calcium phosphates, hydroxyapatites. Advantages: The particles are round, small, polish well, and do not damage the enamel.

Substance poisoning - symptoms

A sufficient, but not excessive intake of this substance into the body helps strengthen the enamel and improve the condition of the teeth. However, overdose can cause serious damage. Usually in such cases they talk about the development of fluorosis. Among the most common varieties of this pathology, experts in the field of dentistry distinguish spotted, streaked, chalky-speckled, erosive and destructive forms. Let's look at them in a little more detail:

• spotted - involves the formation of small light spots on the enamel, which can merge with each other, forming one large spot,
• streaked - light stripes of different shapes appear on the incisors, which can also combine to form fairly large strokes,
• chalky-mottled - the surface of the teeth becomes dull and yellowish, while many dots and specks appear on its surface. Pathological abrasion of the enamel is noted, due to which the dark color of dentin begins to appear,
• erosive – leads to the formation of numerous specks, but primarily affects the chewing surface of the teeth,
• destructive – dental tissues become fragile and quickly break down.

The photo shows dental fluorosis.
An excess of fluoride in the body also affects the condition of the skeletal system. One possible complication is osteoporosis, in which the bones become soft and calcium is quickly washed out of them. Pathological changes occur in the joints, causing ankylosis to develop. In advanced cases, the liver and kidneys suffer.

Description

First of all, Thai toothpaste is bought for its quick whitening effect. Manufacturers assure that in a maximum of 2-3 days, bleeding gums will disappear and your tooth enamel will noticeably lighten.

The effectiveness of the Thai remedy is explained by its constituent extracts of herbs, fruits, alumina, and extracts from aromatic plants. The pastes are packaged not in the usual tubes, but in attractive jars. They have a thick consistency, which significantly increases the time of their use.

A huge advantage over other toothpastes is the attractively low price and a huge range with various additives.

You can buy exotic toothpaste from Thailand in online stores.

Approximate composition

• abrasive substance - clay;
• essential oils of clove, sage, mint, myrrh;
• bamboo charcoal;
• cuttlefish bone;
• guava leaf powder;
• clinacanthus extract.

Clay has long been known for its abrasive properties. However, it is not clear whether manufacturers process it properly. European toothpastes also use clay, but it is highly crushed. In this case, it does not scratch the enamel coating. There is no such certainty regarding Thai tooth powders.

Essential oils have an anti-inflammatory effect and heal irritated gum tissue. The disadvantages of adding oils include a strong aroma that not everyone likes.

A unique component is bamboo charcoal powder. Thanks to him, Thai toothpastes have no analogues. Coal has a bactericidal effect, eliminates soft plaque and unpleasant odors.

Cuttlefish bone is the exact ingredient that gives teeth enamel its snow-white appearance. In addition to whiteness, the surface of the teeth becomes literally polished.

Guava leaf powder has an anti-inflammatory and softening effect on the soft tissue of the gums, preventing the development of gingivitis and other inflammatory processes.

Clinacanthus is a tropical plant found only in Thailand. The leaf extract of this plant is used to relieve inflammation and tissue regeneration. Clinacanthus is widely used in Thai cosmetics.

Unfortunately, Thai products contain not only natural substances, but also the notorious sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium cocosulfate. These substances accumulate in body tissues, reduce immunity, are practically not excreted by the excretory system, and can destroy cell membranes.

Dentists recommend a consultation before using exotic toothpaste.

It turns out that the components can cause significant harm to your enamel if you use the paste without first checking with a dentist.

How to remove excess substance from the body

There are methods that allow you to remove excess fluoride from the body, but they give the desired result only if the pathology is in the initial stages of its development. Here are the main ways to combat intoxication with this element:

• iodine – promotes the excretion of the substance in the urine, so it is recommended to increase the consumption of foods rich in this component: strawberries, lingonberries, beans, potatoes,
• boron – also effectively removes fluoride and is found in high concentrations in honey, nuts, dates, avocados, prunes,
• selenium – blocks the activity of an excess element, found in sufficient quantities in Brazil nuts,
• dry sauna – helps remove accumulated toxic substances through sweating.

Consumption of iodine-containing products helps remove the substance from the body.
But before moving on to measures to remove the substance, it is necessary to limit its entry into the body. For a while, you will have to give up foods with a high content of it, switch to clean bottled water, and stop using fluoride-containing hygiene products.

Tips for choosing dental hygiene products

In order for daily cleaning to be as effective as possible, you need to carefully consider the choice of toothpaste. It is best to consult your dentist in this matter and give preference to the product that is most suitable for your specific case. All toothpastes on the market can be divided into three independent categories:

• hygienic – used for daily cleansing of enamel and aromatization of breath,
• medicinal – they contain active additives that, when interacting with damaged or inflamed tissues of the oral cavity, help stop pathological processes,
• therapeutic and prophylactic - also contain active components, but in lower concentrations, prevent the development of many dental diseases - teeth and periodontal tissues.

When choosing a toothpaste, carefully study its composition. You need to
choose which toothpastes contain fluoride, or give preference to a product without this component, taking into account the current condition of the teeth and oral cavity. The dentist will help you with this after examining and assessing the current condition of the enamel.

Terms of use

Dentists do not recommend cleaning your teeth with Thai products more than once a week. Even people with healthy teeth and strong enamel can get the disease if they use aggressive abrasives every day.

People with sensitive teeth should not use Thai toothpastes.

How to use paste in tubes? To do this, squeeze a small amount (about the size of a pea) onto the brush and clean your mouth as usual. The bristles of the brush should be soft; under no circumstances use hard fibers.

How to use powder in jars? To do this, you should use a special spatula, which is included with the jar. Do not pick up the product with a toothbrush, as at this moment the contents of the jar become infected with bacteria. Since jar products are thick, a minimal portion is enough for a single use - no more than a match head. You should use cupping products very rarely, alternating between cleaning your teeth with regular toothpastes.

The brush must be dry when applying paste. You can moisturize it only while brushing your teeth. Also follow the rule for storing the mass in jars - do not allow moisture to enter. The jar should be tightly closed, and the mass should be collected with a dry spatula.

Rating of the best products containing fluoride

Today on pharmacy shelves you can find a wide variety of different brands of dental and oral hygiene products. Let's take a closer look at which pastes contain this substance and are considered the most popular in their segment.

Paradontax for healthy teeth and gums

According to the manufacturer, the paste helps restore gums and reduce signs of inflammation and bleeding. The presence of fluoride in its composition ensures high-quality plaque removal and caries prevention. According to reviews, within just a few days of using Paradontax, gums acquire a healthy pink tint, and teeth become noticeably whiter.

Colgate for caries protection

One of the most popular companies today that produces various hygiene products to keep the oral cavity clean and healthy. Fluoride paste helps prevent the development of caries in the initial stages, effectively remove plaque and prevent stone formation.

Blend-a-med with active fluorine in its composition

This option is optimal in terms of price and quality ratio. The product is affordable and quite effective - it successfully removes plaque, eliminates unpleasant odor, and prevents gum inflammation. You need to understand that using a paste for daily use is unlikely to achieve a perfectly snow-white smile, but it will definitely help with plaque and bacteria.

Sensodyne against hypersensitivity

This remedy effectively combats hyperesthesia - increased sensitivity of enamel, especially during temperature changes and mechanical irritation. In addition, it perfectly fights the first signs of caries. Before you start using any product that contains high fluoride, it is best to talk to your dentist. Constant use of such pastes is undesirable.

Myths about Thai toothpastes

There are many rumors surrounding this product, most of which are unreliable.

Natural composition

It is believed that the contents of jars and tubes with an exotic cleaning substance are completely natural. This is not true. The manufacturer simply remains silent about the addition of chemicals. As a result, the buyer has no idea what exactly he is using to brighten teeth enamel and improve gum health.

The exotic components listed on the label, such as cuttlefish bone, have not undergone clinical trials, so the effectiveness of these substances has not been scientifically proven. Whether the cuttlefish bone helps or harms is not known.

Gentle whitening

This is another myth that product manufacturers have created. The aggressive abrasive substance of white clay cannot be safe. In European toothpastes, the clay undergoes special treatment at the crystalline level so that the sharp edges of the crystals do not strip off the delicate enamel. By using untested Thai powders, you can simply exchange health for beauty.

Benefit

The low price and visible whitening effect have eclipsed the importance of the critical attitude towards exotic products. Many Russians are convinced that Thai cleaning products are much healthier than European and domestic toothpastes. However, European abrasive products are made taking into account the abrasive load on the enamel, and therefore are expensive. Thai manufacturers save on manufacturing technologies, due to which the price of products is sharply reduced. You brush your teeth with ordinary clay with the addition of unknown plant and animal extracts.

The healing qualities of the extracts included in the pastes have not been scientifically proven.

Popularity

Tooth powder from Thailand has literally created a sensation in our country. People were led to believe that a miracle remedy had appeared for healing gums and whitening teeth. But in fact, our citizens are attracted by the penny price for jars and tubes with exotic designs, and many are simply fascinated by the exotic names and design of products - they are attracted by the unusualness.

Product distributors in Russia, sensing big profits, did not skimp on advertising the product and described the pastes in the most attractive, rainbow colors. But this is just a commercial move, and not the real state of affairs.

How to brush your teeth correctly

Choosing the right toothpaste is only half the battle. To achieve a visible and tangible effect, it is important to learn how to properly carry out daily cleaning. Let us remind you that the main rule of maintaining oral hygiene is regular cleaning of the enamel with a brush and paste. As for the technique of its implementation, experts in the field of dentistry provide several more important recommendations in this regard:

• from the outside, the teeth must be cleaned with vertical sweeping movements, starting from the gums (if you brush in a horizontal direction, you can damage the enamel),
• similar vertical movements should be used to clean the inner surface,
• posterior molars can be cleaned using horizontal movements, paying special attention to the chewing surface,
• Next, you should move on to the tongue - its surface must be cleaned, since it is on it that the largest number of bacteria accumulate.

It is better to learn the correct cleaning technique from childhood. This is one of the reasons why, after the appearance of the child’s first teeth, it is imperative to show him to the dentist for preventive care. Even if you are not sure as an adult that you brush your teeth correctly, a professional dentist will definitely help you with this.

Reviews

Maria: “Not a single paste helped me solve the problem with bleeding gums, I had to go to the dentist. He scheduled me for several appointments for ultrasonic cleaning because there was a lot of buildup on the back surfaces of my teeth. Now I take my teeth more seriously because I don’t want to have to deal with such problems again.”

Vladimir: “After visiting the dentist, on his recommendation, I started using PresiDENTexclusive paste. In just 1.5 weeks, the problem of bleeding gums was solved.”

Alexander: “Parodontol Active toothpaste helped me get rid of bleeding gums in a fairly short time, before that I had serious problems. I haven’t had time to visit the dentist yet, but I’m pleased with the result: the product is not expensive, but at the same time it demonstrates such effectiveness.”

Choosing a brush - expert advice

Another mandatory attribute of daily oral care is a brush. Her choice also needs to be taken seriously, and dentists give the following advice on this matter:

• the head should not exceed 3 cm in length,
• it is better to choose models with artificial bristles, since natural ones create favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria,
• The ribbed back surface of the head is designed to clean the tongue - there is no need to additionally purchase a special scraper.

It is important to choose the right toothbrush.
If you have sensitive gums that are prone to inflammation and bleeding, it is better to give preference to a brush with soft bristles. But keep in mind that it will be worse at cleaning the enamel from plaque, so the procedure must be especially intense. Hard brushes are intended to be used according to indications - otherwise they can injure the gums and enamel and do more harm than good.

Additional oral care tips

Even with systematic brushing of teeth twice a day and regular rinsing after meals, any dental problems cannot be completely ruled out. To further protect yourself from caries and other troubles, it is better to limit the consumption of sweets and carbonated drinks, coffee and smoking - all of these are the main provocateurs of pathological processes in the oral cavity.

Try to give up bad habits

You must remember to use fossa threads, and also visit the dentist’s office regularly - at least twice a year. If you notice suspicious symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor - this is the only way to detect any problem in its very beginnings, and therefore quickly resolve it.

1. According to WHO.