Should We Stop Using Fluoride? Is it that bad for you?

“Fluoride is bad!”  “We must stop using it!”  “Xylitol is much better for you.” “Hydroxyapatite has saved my life.”

Have you ever heard any of these phrases?  If so, have you ever asked your Dentist is any of these statements are true?  I recently asked my doctor and she gave me some pretty surprising news!  

-Fluoride is an essential mineral that strengthens your enamel.  Having a strong enamel works by slowing down the effects of the acids left by the bacterias living in your mouth.  

-Using fluoride daily has been proven to disrupt dental plaque which is key to preventing tooth decay and gum disease.  

-In certain studies, xylitol has been known to have similar effects to fluoride by doing the same things against dental plaque.  It is also known to help stimulate saliva production which is helpful in reducing plaque as well.

-Hydroxyapatite in toothpaste or bits is a much newer concept.  Did you know that it is one of the building blocks of a tooth?  Studies have shown hydroxyapatite to have similar effects of fluoride by remineralizing the enamel, strengthening its resistance to tooth decay!

So what does this all mean with all these options?  No matter what you decide, brushing your teeth with any of these active ingredients would be beneficial to your oral health.  If you ultimately want to avoid fluoride, know that you have other options that can help keep you away from trips to your Dentist!