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What to know about fluoride in toothpaste

Fluoride is a naturally occuring mineral that people add to water, food, and other products. Many toothpastes contain fluoride as it has benefits for protecting tooth health. Too much fluoride can pose risks to health, but the amounts contained in toothpaste are generally safe if a person uses the toothpaste as advised.

Toothpaste is an important part of good oral hygiene. With many options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right choice.

Many toothpastes contain fluoride, a mineral that is naturally found in soil and rocks. This article examines what fluoride is and why manufacturers add it to toothpaste. It also covers the benefits and risks of fluoride and tips for choosing the best toothpaste.

Producers have designed toothpaste to control dental plaqueTrusted Source. Plaque is a thin layer that forms on teeth after eating sugars. The bacteria in plaque break down tooth enamel, cause decay, and lead to cavities.

People use toothpaste with a toothbrush to gently sweep away plaque and other debris from their teeth. All toothpastes share some common ingredientsTrusted Source:

Abrasives such as calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate. These remove anything sticking to the surface of the teeth without scratching them.

Binders like sodium alginate or xanthan gum. These provide elasticity and form to the toothpaste, and help prevent it from drying out by binding water to it.

Humectants such as glycerol or propylene glycol. These retain water to prevent hardening of the toothpaste.

Foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium alkylsulfo succinate.

Preservatives, to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Some toothpastes contain other ingredients, depending on their formulation:

fluoride, which strengthens enamel and prevents cavities

flavorings like spearmint, peppermint, or menthol

sweeteners, including sorbitol, glycerol, and xylitol

anti-sensitivity agents including strontium chloride or potassium nitrate

 

What is fluoride and why is it in toothpaste?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which exists in:

soil

rocks

water

many foods

It is an important part of tooth development in children under the age of 7, as it strengthens developing enamel. In children and adults it also slows down the acid-producing capability of plaque, which protects teeth from decay.

In many cities and countries, local authorities add fluoride to the drinking water, which has been shown to reduce tooth decay by at least 25%. Fluoride toothpaste provides an additional layer of protection against dental decay and plaque buildup.

(07/09/2021)
by Medical News Today Views: 528
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