The Benefits of Using Fluoride Toothpaste | Dentists, Wichita, KS

Crest originally released the first fluoride toothpaste in 1956 after years of clinical trials. What scientists and later research eventually found was that while fluoride cannot reverse already established cavities, it scientifically helps prevent cavities in various different ways. Fluoride specifically:

• Remineralizes the tooth enamel by bonding to areas of decay and attracting other minerals to the damage site.
• Stimulates the production of fluorapatite, a type of tooth enamel highly resistant to acid and bacteria, to prevent further decay.
• Exerts antibacterial properties to stop the growth of bacteria and prevent microbes from attaching to the teeth.

Our dentists in Wichita at Cambridge Family Dentistry highly recommend researching your toothpaste before purchasing it to ensure it is the right choice for you and your mouth. Because there are so many different brands and formulas on the market, it is best to ask yourself if you want toothpaste that contains fluoride. If not, you should look for a natural toothpaste that is more likely to be fluoride-free, but if you decide that you would like to reap the health benefits that fluoride has to offer, our dentists recommend opting for toothpaste with a fluoride level of 1,350-1,500 parts per million (ppm). If you have a child under three years old, look for toothpaste with a fluoride level of 1,000 ppm. Additionally, only search for products with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval, which will indicate the following:

• The product contains fluoride.
• The product contains an active ingredient to help improve dental health, lessen tooth sensitivity, prevent enamel erosion, and reduce gingivitis.
• The product does not contain sugar in the flavoring agents.
• There is provable scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the product.

Despite its many benefits, fluoride toothpaste does have its limitations and may cause damage to developing teeth if overused. Swallowing excessive amounts of fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste residue or drinking water with high concentrations of fluoride can potentially lead to dental fluorosis, which can cause the depletion of minerals in the tooth enamel and white patches on the tooth surface. If you are concerned with the amount of fluoride you are ingesting or begin to notice these white patches on your teeth, it is best to contact your dentist and discuss your concerns. Overall, if you stick with a toothpaste approved by the ADA, you can be sure that you are safely experiencing the benefits that fluoride toothpaste has to offer!