Fluoride. It’s one of those topics seemingly everyone has an opinion on these days, some based in fact and some … not so much. But despite what side of the fluoride debate you fall on, there’s one thing you can’t deny: Oral health is extremely important, especially for those who eschew fluoride products in their oral health routine.
The good news is that there are a growing number of new products designed to care for the teeth without the use of fluoride. Though they may not work as well as fluoridated products, they still can make a positive impact on oral hygiene. Here are just a few products and ingredients that are fluoride free but may be beneficial to your teeth.
Theobromine
This orally ingested ingredient is found in a product called Rennou, which is blended with calcium phosphate to create a product that remineralizes the enamel on the teeth, making it stronger and more resistant to cavities, much like fluoride does.
Xylitol
Found in some sugarless gums and mints, Xylitol is an artificial sweetener with many health benefits. It actually coats the teeth, making it harder for bacteria and plaque to stick to them, reducing the risk of cavities. Xylitol does this by increasing the pH of your saliva, allowing it to strengthen the enamel.
Coral Nano Silver
Coral nano silver is derived from ethically sourced coral and mimics fluoride by using coral calcium and an ingredient called Silversol. These two ingredients don’t just make your teeth stronger – they kill up to 650 different types of oral pathogens and bacteria!
Arginine
Arginine is an ingredient that has been proven to reduce cavities when mixed with calcium. It is a naturally occurring product, found in our saliva, and it can also be found in many oral health products designed to reduce tooth sensitivity.
Ultimately, the choice regarding whether to use fluoride is up to you. That being said, in moderation (as with anything) fluoride has been proven to be both safe and effective at strengthening teeth, reducing sensitivity and helping to keep the mouth healthy. We definitely recommend using products that contain fluoride, but if you absolutely must avoid this beneficial ingredient, it’s good to know there are a few options to help keep the teeth healthy.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Abelar, please contact us at 858-523-1400.
