Numerous commercials claim that fluoride must be included in a good toothpaste . Dentists also talk about its importance for enamel health. But is fluoride really necessary in toothpaste ? The benefits and harms of this trace element are described in this article.
Oddly enough, one and the same element can bring both undoubted benefits to the body and some harm. This concerns primarily the excess fluoride: it leads to a number of diseases that affect the teeth. The substance can not only strengthen the enamel, but also destroy it.
The Importance of Fluoride for the Body
Of course, fluorine plays a big role for every organism. It is thanks to him that he is able to maintain the strength of bone tissues, the growth and condition of teeth, hair and nails depend on him. Fluorine is especially important during the growing up of a person: without it, the skeleton of a child cannot develop normally.
Fluorine affects the metabolic process, and with its help dangerous and heavy metals are better excreted from the body. Without it, it is impossible to maintain immunity, and iron is absorbed much worse.
With a lack of fluoride in the body, the bones bend, become brittle and brittle, and fuse worse in the event of a fracture. Teeth also depend on it: an enamel that suffers from a lack of this substance is gradually thinning. Bacteria from soft plaque affect it more strongly, as a result of which caries quickly develops. That is why fluoride-containing paste is the choice of many people who have problems with their teeth.
Fluoride in toothpaste: benefits and harms
Commercials claim that a paste that does not contain fluoride is a waste of money. This opinion is also supported by some dentists. This element is really necessary for the prevention of caries, it strengthens the enamel and protects it from the action of harmful bacteria. Under its influence, they secrete less acid, multiply less actively and do not affect enamel so much. Therefore, the paste, which must fight tooth decay, will certainly contain fluoride.
Fluoride toothpaste has its advantages:
- it has an antiseptic effect;
- helps improve metabolism;
- improves remineralizing effect of saliva:
- stimulates the salivary gland;
- “Slows down” the transformation of soft plaque into tartar.
But at the same time, children's fluoride pastes do not contain fluoride, even though it is necessary for growing teeth. They add an element only to those hygiene products that are used by children over five years old. Young organisms are more susceptible to various substances, so they are more prone to fluorosis (an excess of fluoride).
Fluoride harm in pasta
Toothpaste is far from the only source of fluoride available to humans. It is found in some foods (the best source is apples). In addition, the element is rich in ... ordinary tap water. The daily norm of fluoride should not exceed three mg per day. It is enough to drink two liters of water per day to fully cover the body's need for a substance. It turns out that paste without fluoride is the choice of a person who eats properly and consumes enough water.
In addition, this element is somewhat toxic to the body. It tends to accumulate in tissues, tooth enamel is no exception. If there is too much element on it, the destruction process starts - fluorosis. It manifests itself with whitish spots on the tooth surface. Gradually they turn yellow, literally corroding enamel.
To preserve enamel with fluorosis, treatment is required. It may consist of remineralizing therapy, photophoresis, or the use of special applications. It is possible that the teeth will need additional whitening, regular professional cleaning will not work.
What foods contain fluoride?
If there is fluoride in toothpaste, there are benefits and harms too. To ensure the body's daily norm of this element is possible due to the correct diet. It’s easy to adjust the power. Most foods that are high in fluoride are present on almost every table.
Relate to them:
1. Fruits: apples, grapefruit.
2. A variety of nuts.
3. Any dairy products.
4. A variety of types of meat (especially the liver).
5. Nuts.
6. Vegetables: pumpkin, onions, spinach, potatoes.
7. Cereals: buckwheat and oatmeal.
8. Natural honey.
9. Any kind of tea.
As mentioned earlier, even ordinary water contains enough fluoride. Nutritionists are confident that an adult should drink a minimum of two liters per day. If you adhere to proper nutrition and eat foods rich in this element more often, fluoride-free paste is the best option.
Fluoride Toothpastes
In some cases, fluoride-containing toothpastes may indeed be a necessity. For example, if too little of this useful element in another form enters the body. To help make a decision and make the right choice should be the attending dentist. He will evaluate the condition of the oral cavity and enamel, after which it will be clear whether fluoride is enough for the teeth or if one of the “top” pastes with this element is needed.
The fluorides contained in the pastes create a kind of protective layer on the tooth surface that resembles a thin film. All substances dangerous to enamel can no longer penetrate into it, their negative impact is significantly reduced. The antibacterial effect of fluorine inhibits the growth of bacteria and the development of caries. The risk of gum disease is significantly reduced.
Paradontax Fluoride
Toothpaste from caries "Paradontax with fluoride" was created specifically to combat this disease. Sodium fluoride is added to its composition, which helps to start the enamel remineralization process. In addition, this tool perfectly removes bleeding gums.
It can be used by adults and children over fourteen years of age. Paradontax with fluoride differs from the usual line by a specific brackish flavor. The paste is suitable for long-term use, but the condition of the teeth must be observed. If light spots appear, indicating an excess of fluoride - it is better to choose another remedy.
Colgate "Maximum Caries Protection"
The Colgate is also on the list of popular products . Anti-caries toothpaste contains fluoride and liquid calcium, which strengthens and protects the enamel. There is an additional pleasant effect: the paste destroys color plaque, with prolonged use, the teeth become noticeably whiter.
The product has a pleasant mint flavor and helps to freshen the breath for a long time. Despite the popularity of the Colgate brand, this toothpaste is not suitable for children, but for adults and adolescents it is.
Active Fluoride Blend-a-Med
This fluoride toothpaste not only strengthens the enamel, but also brightens it, and also reduces the rate of formation of soft plaque and tartar. Long-term use relieves bleeding gums. Strengthened enamel becomes less sensitive - the paste is great for people whose teeth are too keen on cold or hot. Using constantly only this paste is not recommended: it is better to alternate with fluoride-free products.
Fluoride-free pastes
If this substance in the body is already enough or fluorosis has already begun to develop, it is better to choose toothpastes that do not contain fluoride. Most often, calcium becomes the main active ingredient - it somewhat “blocks” excess fluorine and perfectly strengthens the enamel, making the teeth healthier.
All pastes that do not lead to an excess of fluoride are suitable for continuous use. When choosing, you can focus on the recommendations of the attending dentist, as well as on personal preferences. It is desirable that the paste is white: colored dyes do not bring special benefits.
Splat
There are several fluoride-free pastes in the Splat line. "Biocalcium" perfectly restores and polishes enamel, heals small wounds on the oral mucosa. It tastes sweet pasta, with a slight mint flavor.
“Splat Maximum” reanimates damaged areas of the tooth surface, quickly and carefully eliminates dangerous soft coating, blocks the growth and spread of microbes, and soothes sore gums. In addition, cigarette stains and strong colored drinks are easily removed from enamel.
PRESIDENT Unique
This paste is unique in that it contains several calcium compounds that are easily absorbed by the body. Plaque forms more slowly, and the best toothbrush helps to remove it almost completely. Due to potassium salt sensitivity decreases. Therefore, a remedy is recommended for people with sensitive enamel, but it is better to use it in courses, and not constantly.
Rules for quality cleaning
All the positive properties of any toothpaste are significantly reduced if you neglect the rules of cleaning. It is regular hygiene procedures that help maintain the health of the enamel and the oral cavity as a whole. It does not matter whether fluoride is contained in toothpaste, the benefits and harms are completely determined by the quality of this simple procedure.
Proper cleaning skills need to be instilled from early childhood so that the process is brought to automaticity. If parents can not cope with this on their own, the child can be taken to the pediatric dentist. However, you can get a consultation at any age.
How to brush your teeth? There are certain rules:
1. The external surface is cleaned by vertical sweeping movements, the process begins from the gums.
2. During the cleaning of the inner surface, movements are duplicated.
3. Chewing teeth need to be cleaned with horizontal movements.
How to choose a brush?
How to find out what the best toothbrush is? There are some secrets:
- the working part of the brush should be short, not more than 3 centimeters;
- it is advisable to take with artificial bristles: in natural bacteria reproduce more actively;
- well, if the surface on the back of the head is ribbed - it is suitable for cleansing the tongue.
The least harm is caused not only by soft toothpaste, for enamels with increased sensitivity it is better to choose brushes with the same bristles. They less injure the gums, but they remove plaque somewhat worse, so cleaning should be especially thorough.
Hard brushes are not suitable for everyone, and they should only be used if appropriate recommendations are available. They worse clean the interdental spaces, injure soft tissues and can even damage the enamel, especially if a paste with hard abrasive particles is used.
What else is needed for oral care?
Not always for high-quality dental care , just a two-time brushing is enough, even if it is carried out according to all the specified rules. The food remains after food are hammered in interdental spaces, especially if there are rather big "pockets". With the consumption of sweets, the acidity of saliva changes; it becomes more aggressive towards enamel.
Of course, it is not always possible to brush your teeth after each meal. Chewing gum and floss - dental floss will help to replace the process. Another option is to simply rinse your mouth with plain tap water. After cleaning, it is advisable to use special rinses or decoctions of chamomile and oak bark: they reduce bleeding of the gums, strengthen them and cleanse the mouth of unnecessary microbes.