Is fluoride harmful? Does fluoride in toothpaste harm your he alth? Fluoride is essential for the teeth - it strengthens the enamel and protects it from caries. However, there are more and more voices that the fluorine compounds that we absorb, e.g. from toothpaste are harmful to our he alth. How much truth is there and is there really any evil in the toothpaste?

Fluorineis an element which, when taken in appropriate doses, has a positive effect on he alth. Fluoride has many important functions about the body: it stimulates the formation of new bone tissue. It also prevents tooth decay by increasing their resistance to the acidic environment in the mouth and influencing the metabolism of plaque bacteria.

If the concentration of fluoride compounds in the enamel is too low, it becomes thinner, prone to cracking and less resistant to the acidic environment of the mouth.

Then a certain amount of fluoride from the outside, e.g. in the form of a paste, is necessary to keep the teeth in good condition. Moreover, a too low level of fluoride not only reduces the hardness of the tooth enamel, but also reduces bone strength.

Fluoride is found not only in toothpaste or other caries prevention products. The source of fluoride for the human body is primarily drinking water, in which it occurs mainly in the form of fluorides. Among the food products, tea, cereals, rennet cheese, fish are good sources of fluoride.

Is fluoride harmful? Does fluoride in toothpaste harm your he alth?

Many people see this substance as a threat and are recalling fluoridated products, such as fluoride toothpaste, replacing them with herbal substitutes. Some websites have side effects from fluoride absorption.

Dentists reassure, however, that theories about the negative impact of fluoride on our he alth are definitely exaggerated and result from ignorance.

There is no scientifically valid evidence that fluoride in a daily dose causes cancer, kidney disease, or any other disease attributed to it.

There are no publications that would prove the carcinogenic effect of fluoride, in addition, in this context, mainly osteosarcoma (Latin osteosarcoma) is referred to, i.e. one of the very rare types of cancermalicious.

According to an expertbow. stom. Przemysław Stankowski, Stankowscy Dentistry

Fluoride, and yes, in excess it can be toxic, like many other substances that we consume without moderation. Nevertheless, the dose of fluoride from toothpaste, intensive fluoridation gels or used in the office during fluoridation is completely safe, also for pregnant women.

On average, an adult toothpaste contains between 500 and 1500 ppm of fluoride (ppm - part per million, ie the number of grams of the substance that goes to 1 million grams or milliliters). EU standards specify that the content of fluoride in the paste should not exceed 1000-1500 ppm. Toothpastes intended for infants and children contain less of it.

So let's try to calculate what dose of fluoride can actually be dangerous. 1.5 ml of adult toothpaste, the dose most of us squeeze onto a toothbrush during a single wash, contains 2.25 mg of fluoride. On the other hand, the lethal dose of fluoride for a person weighing 70 kg is estimated at 5-10 g, which is over 2,200 times more, the dose is unrealistic, unless we eat the paste with spoons.

What causes excess fluoride? Symptoms of overdose

Excessive exposure to fluoride can cause many he alth conditions. The most common complication ofof fluoride overdose , however, isfluorosis , a disease with characteristic chalky or brownish streaks on the front of the teeth and erosions of the enamel that can crumble.

- Fluorosis is a rare complication, although more common in children and adolescents whose less mineralized enamel is more susceptible to too high doses of fluoride. To avoid disease, it is enough to brush the teeth of a child under 6 years of age with a toothpaste intended for his age, with less fluoride, and to monitor hygiene procedures, e.g. make sure that the child spits out the toothpaste. The child may have a tendency to swallow it, and also use too much of it - warns Dr. Stankowski.

There is also talk about the risk of the so-called Skeletal fluorosis, which results from prolonged exposure to fluoride, but mainly from sources such as water and food. Then the excess of fluoride is deposited in the bones and tendons, which may result in changes in the structure of the bones in the long term and negatively affect the joints.

Scientists have determined that an orally administered dose of 5-10 g of sodium fluoride per day by a person weighing about 70 kg is a lethal dose.³

The research on the effect of excess fluoride on teeth and bones is unambiguous. However, the effect of fluoride on soft tissues is controversialand conflicting opinions .³

There are authors who claim that an excess of fluoride in the body degrades the tubular epithelium of the kidneys, causes overgrowth and loss of renal parenchyma, leading to kidney failure. It can also lead to liver inflammation or neurodegenerative changes in the brain .¹

Prolonged exposure to fluoride may also result in reproductive organ damage and infertility, increase miscarriage rates, and be very toxic to the fetus. 1

However, this type of disease may result from an overdose of fluoride, which is practically impossible when you brush your teeth with fluoride every day. Not to mention the fact that, in contrast to the US, where drinking water is fluoridated, in Western Europe about 97 percent. countries, water does not fluoresce.

Fluoride - benefits greater than the possible risk of complications

The benefits of using fluoride in oral hygiene products are much greater than the possible risk of complications.

Statistics confirm that those who use fluoride have a lower caries rate and he althier teeth. Also such key organizations as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or WHO (World He alth Organization) believe that fluoridation is safe and has a positive effect on the he alth of the teeth.

- Recently, major organizations have also opted for the use of fluoride in children at an earlier stage than previously suggested. The Scientific Council of the American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste from 1 tooth. First in trace amounts, then more. Everything to avoid serious dental problems in adulthood - says the dentist.

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Dentistry and Orthodontics