Studies show that adding fluoride to toothpaste can reduce the demineralisation of enamel seen with consumption of varying levels of carbohydrate. We are told this is because fluoride is required for the correct mineralisation of tooth enamel, and that the fluoride in toothpaste provides this fluoride. The problem with this explanation is that fluoride is present in the diet at high enough concentrations that the extra fluoride in toothpaste would not be required for correct mineralisation. And this is excluding evidence that fluoride may not even be required for the mineralisation of tooth enamel. Further, we do not eat toothpaste, and so it is not clear how this fluoride would be able to cause mineralisation of tooth enamel, as it must be absorbed to have an effect. More likely, the fluoride in toothpaste acts as an antimicrobial agent, killing the bacteria in the mouth that produce the acid that cause demineralisation of the enmael. Fluoride is toxic to cells and is a well know antibacterial agent.
If fluoride does allow remineralisation of tooth enamel by inhibiting the bacteria that cause demineralisation, then it would be logical that other antimicrobial agents in toothpaste would also be useful. Therefore switching to a fluoride free toothpaste with antimicrobial plant extract should provide the same level of protection to teeth, without the possibility of fluoride poisoning that can occur from fluoride containing toothpaste.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
