Xylitol is a great alternative to fluoride in preventing dental decay. It is a natural sweetener classified as a sugar alcohol, extracted from the fibrous parts of plants. It is derived from corn or birch, with corn being more widely used since it is easily renewable and cheaper than birch.
The application of adhesives and/or fissure sealants is considered to be an effective alternative to fluoride, but requires professional application and, depending on the product used, a re-sealing of the surface every several months.
Hydroxyapatite toothpastes are quickly becoming the go-to option for the fluoride-free crowd. Used in Asia for decades, this option is widely recognized for its ability to essentially "rebuild" tooth structure. Hydroxyapatite, after all, is the majority of the substance that makes up your teeth naturally already!
This natural version of fluoride is called calcium fluoride and is usually found in soil. With any sort of spring or natural source of water there will always be trace amounts of calcium fluoride.
However, holistic dentists do not generally recommend or use fluoride at all. This is due to the fact that many holistic dentists remain unconvinced of the scientific merits of fluoride in preventing cavities when applied to the teeth.
Although fluoride-free solutions can scrape off bacteria, fluoride toothpastes are more effective for cavity control.
“Previous research indicates that without the presence of optimal levels of fluoride in drinking water, and thus in the mouth and saliva, teeth may form with weaker enamel and lack the ability to remineralize early signs of decay,” the study researchers warn.
Now: Fluoride toothpaste is typically not recommended for children younger than six years old. If a child swallows fluoride toothpaste, they may develop fluorosis, which interferes with the development of tooth enamel and can cause white spots or streaks on the teeth.
Xylitol helps protect the teeth from damage, and fluoride helps repair any damage that the teeth might sustain. However, a 2014 study found no significant difference — in terms of the reduction of tooth decay — between children using a xylitol-fluoride toothpaste and those using a fluoride-only toothpaste.
Prescription fluoride toothpaste contains a higher concentration of fluoride (5000 parts per million). This is the maximum strength available and it plays an important role in preventing and controlling dental caries (cavities).
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is less abrasive than fluoride toothpaste, so if your teeth are sensitive, it may be a good option for you. Hydroxyapatite can help lessen sensitivity and prevent cavities. Because of its remineralizing properties, hydroxyapatite has highly beneficial effects on your teeth.
Fluoride treatments are a great way to prevent more cavities in patients who are already prone to them. How is that flossing coming along? You know you should floss daily, but do you? If your oral hygiene is not ideal, fluoride could be just the thing to keep your neglect from leading to cavities between your teeth.
That view was underscored this week by an article in the dental journal Gerodontology that reviewed the scientific literature on cavities. Its primary conclusion is that without fluoride, oral hygiene efforts have "no impact" on cavity rates.
Are those toothpastes effective? Dr. Okano: In terms of prevention of tooth decay, no. The only benefit that you'll gain is a fresher mouth with the natural toothpaste, but you will not receive any benefit against tooth decay if it doesn't have fluoride within it.
The cons of fluoride
Certain studies have shown that fluoride may contribute to weakening the bones and maybe even the joint's connective tissues. Fluoride also causes a condition known as fluorosis, which causes tooth discoloration.
They have the right to informed consent prior to treatment, and they have the right to full disclosure of all relevant information so that they can make informed choices about their care.”2 So, simply asking if a patient would like a fluoride treatment and accepting a “no” answer without further conversation fails to ...
Fluoride Safety
This can be dangerous to your health. Symptoms of fluoride toxicity may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased salivation or increased thirst.
The fluoride treatment comes mostly in the form of varnish that is applied to the teeth and sticks to the teeth for a period of four to six hours before been washed away by brushing.
yes, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay – in fact, since 1950 the American Dental Association has backed fluoride as “safe, effective and necessary in preventing tooth decay”. By strengthening enamel and slowing its breakdown, fluoride limits the ability for plaque and bacteria to go to work on your teeth.
The cons of hydroxyapatite toothpaste is that they are expensive and not as accessible for people as fluoridated toothpastes are.
There are no side effects with hydroxyapatite—in fact, it's safe enough to swallow the entire tube of toothpaste! With fluoride, on the other hand, there's a poison control label on the tube, and overexposure causes dental and skeletal fluorosis.
Remineralization with hydroxyapatite won't reverse the damage because your enamel cannot regrow (it's not living tissue). Remineralization can only strengthen the enamel that's still physically there.