Numerous commercials claim that fluoride must be included in good toothpaste. Dentists also talk about its importance for enamel he alth. But is fluoride really necessary in toothpaste? The benefits and harms of this trace element are described in this article.
Oddly enough, the same element can bring the body both undoubted benefits and some harm. This concerns, first of all, an excess of fluorine: it leads to a number of diseases that also 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 it is possible to maintain the strength of bone tissue, the growth and condition of teeth, hair and nails depend on it. Fluorine is especially important during a person's growing up: without it, the child's skeleton will not be able to develop normally.
Fluorine affects the metabolic process, and with its help dangerous and heavy metals are better removed from the body. Without it, it is impossible to maintain immunity, and iron is absorbed much worse.
With a lack of fluorine in the body, the bones are bent, become brittle and brittle, and grow together worse in case of a fracture. Teeth also depend on it: the enamel, suffering from a lack of this substance, gradually becomes thinner. Bacteria from soft plaque affect it more strongly, as a result of which caries develops rapidly. This is why fluoride toothpaste is the choice of many people with dental problems.
Fluoride in toothpaste: benefits and harms
Commercials claim that fluoride-free toothpaste is a waste of money. This opinion is 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 the enamel so much. Therefore, a toothpaste that is supposed to fight tooth decay will most likely contain fluoride.
Fluoride toothpaste has its benefits:
- it has an antiseptic effect;
- helps improve metabolism;
- improves the remineralizing effect of saliva:
- stimulates the salivary gland;
- "slows down" the transformation of soft plaque into tartar.
But at the same time, children's pastes do not contain fluorine, even though it is necessary for growing teeth. Add an element only to those hygiene products used by children over five years old. Young organisms are more susceptible to various substances, thereforemore prone to fluorosis (an excess of fluoride).
Harm of fluoride in toothpaste
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 fluorine should not exceed three mg per day. It is enough to drink two liters of water a day to fully cover the body's need for a substance. It turns out that fluoride-free pasta is the choice of a person who eats right and drinks 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 appears as whitish spots on the tooth surface. Gradually they turn yellow, literally corroding the enamel.
To preserve enamel with fluorosis, treatment will be required. It may consist of remineralizing therapy, photophoresis or the use of special applications. It is possible that the teeth will need additional whitening, the usual professional cleaning will not work.
What foods contain fluoride
If there is fluoride in toothpaste, there are benefits and harms too. It is possible to provide the body with the daily norm of this element due to the correct diet. Adjusting your diet is easy. Most foods high in fluoride are already on almost every table.
Related to:
1. Fruits: apples,grapefruit.
2. Variety of nuts.
3. Any dairy products.
4. A variety of meats (especially liver).
5. Nuts.
6. Vegetables: pumpkin, onion, spinach, potato.
7. Cereals: buckwheat and oatmeal.
8. Natural honey.
9. Any kind of tea.
As mentioned earlier, even ordinary water contains enough fluorine. Nutritionists are sure that an adult should drink at least two liters per day. If you stick to proper nutrition and eat foods rich in this element more often, fluoride-free pasta is the best option.
Fluoride toothpastes
In some cases, fluoride toothpastes may indeed be a necessity. For example, if too little of this useful element enters the body in a different form. The attending dentist should help to make a decision and make the right choice. He will assess the condition of the oral cavity and enamel, after which it will be clear whether the teeth have enough fluoride or 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, resembling a thin film. All substances dangerous to enamel can no longer penetrate into it, their negative impact is significantly reduced. The antibacterial effect that fluorine has, slows down the reproduction of bacteria and the development of caries. The risk of gum disease is greatly reduced.
Paradontax with 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 process of enamel remineralization. In addition, this remedy is excellent for bleeding gums.
It can be used by adults and children over the age of fourteen. It differs from the usual line of "Paradontax with fluorine" by a specific s alty aftertaste. The paste is suitable for long-term use, but the condition of the teeth must be monitored. If light spots appear, indicating an excess of fluorine, it is better to choose another remedy.
Colgate "Maximum Caries Protection"
The list of popular remedies includes Colgate. Toothpaste against caries contains fluorine and liquid calcium, thanks to which it strengthens and protects the enamel. There is also an additional pleasant effect: the paste destroys colored plaque, with prolonged use, the teeth become noticeably whiter.
The product has a pleasant minty flavor and helps freshen breath for a long time. Despite the popularity of the Colgate brand, this toothpaste is not suitable for children, but for adults and teenagers it is.
Blend-a-Med with Active Fluoride
This fluoride toothpaste not only strengthens enamel, it also brightens it and reduces the rate of soft plaque and tartar formation. Prolonged use eliminates bleeding gums. Strengthened enamel becomes less sensitive - the paste is great for people whose teeth are too sensitive to cold or hot. It is not recommended to use only this paste all the time: it is better to alternate with products without fluoride.
Fluoride-free pastes
If there is already enough of this substance in the body 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 component - it somewhat "blocks" excess fluorine and perfectly strengthens the enamel, making teeth he althier.
All toothpastes that do not lead to an excess of fluoride are suitable for permanent use. When choosing, you can focus on both the recommendations of the attending dentist and personal preferences. It is desirable that the paste be white: colored dyes do not bring much benefit.
Splat
There are several pastes without fluorine in the "Splat" line. "Biocalcium" perfectly restores and polishes enamel, heals small wounds on the oral mucosa. The taste of the pasta is sweet, with a slight mint flavor.
"Splat Maximum" reanimates damaged areas of the surface of the teeth, quickly and carefully eliminates dangerous soft plaque, blocks the reproduction and spread of microbes and soothes inflamed gums. In addition, stains from cigarettes or strong colored drinks are easily removed from the enamel.
PRESIDENT Unique
This paste is unique in that it contains several calcium compounds at once, which are easily absorbed by the body. Plaque forms more slowly, and the best toothbrush will help remove it almost completely. Due to the potassium s alt, sensitivity is reduced. Therefore, it is recommendeda remedy for people with sensitive enamel, but it is better to use it in courses, and not constantly.
Rules for good 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 he alth of the enamel and the oral cavity as a whole. It doesn't matter if toothpaste contains fluoride, the benefits and harms are completely determined by the quality of this simple procedure.
Skills for proper brushing should be instilled from early childhood so that the process is brought to automatism. If the parents cannot handle this on their own, the child can be taken to a pediatric dentist. However, you can get advice at any age.
How to brush your teeth properly? There are certain rules:
1. The outer surface is cleaned with vertical sweeping movements, the process begins from the gum.
2. While cleaning the inner surface, the movements are duplicated.
3. Chewing teeth need to be brushed with horizontal strokes.
How to choose a brush?
How do you know you've got the best toothbrush? There are some secrets:
- the working part of the brush should be short, no more than 3 centimeters;
- preferably with artificial bristles: natural bristles multiply more actively;
- it's good if the surface on the back of the head is ribbed - it is suitable for cleaning the tongue.
Not only soft toothpaste brings the least harm, for enamel with increased sensitivity it is better to choose brushes with the same bristles. They are less traumatic to the gums, but they remove plaque somewhat worse, so cleaning should be especially thorough.
Hard brushes are not for everyone and should only be used if recommended. They clean the interdental spaces worse, injure soft tissues and can even damage the enamel, especially if a paste with hard abrasive particles is used.
What else do you need for oral care?
It is not always enough to simply brush twice a day for quality dental care, even if it is carried out according to all the above rules. Remains of food after eating are clogged in the interdental spaces, especially if there are large enough “pockets”. When consuming sweets, the acidity of saliva changes, and it becomes more aggressive to enamel.
Of course, you can't always brush your teeth after every meal. Chewing gum and dental floss will help 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 gum bleeding, strengthen them and cleanse the mouth of excess microbes.
