Natural Toothpaste vs. Fluoride Toothpaste

We all know what toothpaste is.  It’s the gel that we put on our toothbrushes that helps clean our teeth/mouth.  Toothpaste can come in a variety of flavors and formulas.  Certain types of toothpastes are designed to perform a certain task better than other options, but its primary purpose – to clean your teeth/mouth remains constant.

Today, some people have begun trying natural toothpaste as an alternative to traditional styles.  Individuals select natural or organic food/drink because they wish to reduce the amount of artificial chemicals entering their body.  With that same thought process, these individuals may also choose natural toothpaste, free of dyes and artificial flavoring.

The problem with natural toothpaste though, is that it doesn’t contain fluoride.  Fluoride works toward preventing tooth decay, strengthening the enamel of our teeth.  Fluoride is especially important for children in their early stages of development.  It becomes less important, though not insignificant, as we grow older.

There are differing opinions on the importance of fluoride though, which have raised many debates over the years.  The general consensus is that under normal circumstances, most adults receive enough fluoride from the foods they eat and from drinking water that additional fluoride in toothpaste is unnecessary.  Some also claim that additional fluoride might also be dangerous to the body.  For children, this may not be the case.

As mentioned earlier, growing children require a certain level of fluoride in order to strengthen their teeth.  This is by no means a necessity, but has been deemed important nonetheless by dental professionals around the world.

If you are concerned about your personal fluoride consumption, or are thinking about choosing a natural brand of toothpaste, we recommend that you consult your dentist for more information first.