Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride Toothpaste: Essential for Tooth Decay Prevention

Did you know that the decline of tooth decay during the 20th century has been attributed to the introduction and regular use of fluoride-containing toothpaste? Indeed, the Canadian Dental Association recognizes and supports using fluoride toothpaste as part of daily care products to prevent dental caries (i.e., tooth decay), including repairing cavities in their early stage and promoting optimal oral health. Moreover, studies have shown that the regular use of fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel by rebuilding (or remineralizing) weakened tooth enamel and slowing down the loss of minerals in teeth.

Fluoride is a mineral naturally found as calcium fluoride in the air, plants, rocks, soil, and water. It is also found in various foods and our bones and teeth and is critical to maintaining their strength and resilience. Research has demonstrated that fluoride deficiency weakens teeth and bones and predisposes us to cavities and bone diseases. That is precisely why fluoride has been added to public water supplies in Canada since the 1940s. 

Fluoride has also been added to toothpaste and mouthwash/mouth rinses since 1956 because of its beneficial effects on teeth health. And more recently, fluoridated toothpaste was added to the World Health Organization's (WHO) List of Essential Medicines, attesting to its importance.

The Proven Benefits of Fluoride in Oral Hygiene

• Aids In The Prevention Of Tooth Decay
• Helps Remineralize/Prevent Demineralization Of Tooth Enamel
• Reverse Early Stage Dental Caries
• Strengthens Teeth
• Wards Off The Growth Of Harmful Oral Bacteria

Choosing the Right Fluoride Toothpaste: A Buyer’s Guide

Fluoride toothpaste is an effective way to prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health. For a quality product, here are some things to look for:

Fluoride content – Most dentists recommend using toothpaste with at least 1,000 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride for adults and 500-1,000 ppm for children.

CDA Seal Of Approval: Look for the Canadian Dental Association's (CDA) seal of approval on the toothpaste packaging, which attests to the fact that the product has been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy.

Other ingredients: Look for natural toothpaste with a clean list of ingredients to help strengthen tooth enamel, prevent caries, and help whiten teeth (in the case of toothpaste with activated charcoal) while avoiding unnecessary chemicals.

Safe Use of Fluoride Toothpaste: Guidelines and Tips

While using fluoride toothpaste regularly, along with good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist, can help maintain good oral health and prevent cavities, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, fluoride toothpaste should be used with caution in children under the age of six, as they may accidentally swallow it and ingest too much fluoride. Parents should supervise young children's brushing and only use a small amount of toothpaste.

Second, too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a condition that causes the discolouration of tooth enamel – usually manifesting as white or sometimes brown spots. While these spots may be unsightly, they do not in any way weaken tooth enamel.