Fluoride is contained in many toothpastes because it is supposed to harden tooth enamel and protect teeth from decay. However, there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the use of fluoridated dental care products. Some fear that the regular use of such products may have a negative impact on our health. Dr. Sabine Köhler, president of the Medical Advisory Service of Dentists (MDZ), reveals in an interview whether fluoride is actually harmful.
What is fluoride?
Fluorides are the salts of hydrogen fluoride. They occur in various forms in nature. In small quantities, they are present in drinking and mineral water, as well as in various foods – for example, tea, sea fish and shellfish. In addition, table salt enriched with fluoride is commercially available. Fluoride hardens tooth enamel and can thus reduce the risk of caries. That’s why it’s in most toothpastes.
How fluoride protects teeth
Fluorides protect our teeth in many ways. First, they interfere with the metabolism of caries-promoting bacteria in the mouth and ensure that they produce less acid. Our teeth benefit from this, because the acids attack the tooth enamel and dissolve components such as calcium from the teeth (demineralization). In addition, fluorides also promote the incorporation of minerals from saliva into the enamel (remineralization). This quickly repairs minor damage to the enamel and reduces the risk of caries. However, the use of fluoridated dental care products is only one of three important pillars of our dental health. In addition, regular, careful removal of plaque and reduced intake of sugary products are also very important.
Multiple fluoridation measures
Nowadays, there is a wide range of dental care products containing fluoride. These include.
- Toothpastes containing fluoride
- Fluoride-containing mouthwashes
- Fluoride-containing dental floss
- Fluoride-containing gels
- Fluoride varnishes
While most care products are suitable for home use, fluoride varnishes are applied by the dentist or as part of a professional dental cleaning. In addition to the above products, in a few individual cases, the use of fluoride tablets can also be useful. Before you reach for such tablets, however, you should consult with your dentist.
Is fluoride harmful?
The use of dental care products containing fluoride is controversial. Proponents emphasize the positive effect of fluorides on our dental health and assure that there is no danger from dental care products containing fluoride when used properly. Opponents, on the other hand, warn that it is allegedly harmful to our health. In an interview, Dr. Sabine Köhler, president of the Medical Advisory Service of Dentists (MDZ), explains whether the use of fluoridated dental care products is actually associated with risks and what alternative options exist for dental care.
Are there risks associated with using fluoridated dental care products?
Dr. Köhler: “No, there are no health risks associated with the proper use of such products. The amount of fluoride contained in toothpastes is vanishingly small. Unfortunately, fluoride is often confused with fluorine, which is a highly toxic gas. Therefore, some people are afraid of fluoride poisoning. However, such poisoning can only occur if fluoride is ingested in very large quantities. For example, a 15-kilogram child would have to eat 300 fluoride tablets at one time for symptoms of poisoning to become apparent.”
What side effects can occur when fluoride is ingested in large amounts?
Dr. Köhler: “If too much fluoride is ingested, this can result in so-called fluorosis. In this case, white spots form on the tooth enamel. However, such a change on the tooth enamel can only occur during the tooth formation phase. Once this phase is completed, fluorosis can no longer occur. Fluorosis is usually caused by the fact that children not only use a fluoride toothpaste, but are also given fluoride tablets. That’s why children today – unlike in the past – are no longer given fluoride tablets for caries prophylaxis.”
What are the current recommendations for children and adults regarding the use of fluoridated dental care products?
Dr. Köhler: “Adults should clean their teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. For children, a children’s toothpaste that has only a low fluoride content can be used from about the age of two. Children should initially be given only a little toothpaste on the toothbrush. Then it is not bad if a little of it is swallowed. Since children today are no longer given additional fluoride tablets, there is no danger of them ingesting too much fluoride. As soon as children can spit out fluoride properly, they can use their parents’ toothpaste. So-called adult toothpastes have a slightly higher fluoride content – usually between 0.1 and 0.15 percent.”
What additional options are available for adults at higher risk for tooth decay?
Dr. Köhler says, “Adults who have an increased risk of tooth decay can use other dental care products with fluoride in addition to a fluoride toothpaste. For example, they can brush their teeth once a week with a special fluoride gel. In addition, there are also fluoride-containing dental floss and mouth rinses with fluoride that can be used either daily or weekly.”
What alternative dental care options are available for people who don’t want to use fluoridated products?
Dr. Köhler says, “For them, it is especially important to make sure their diet is tooth-friendly. Acid attacks on the teeth by sodas, juices or dry wines, for example, should be avoided as far as possible. Products containing sugar should also be avoided as far as possible. However, an alternative product that could replace the use of fluoride-containing toothpastes does not yet exist.”
