Searching for safe, fluoride-free toothpaste?

A confident smile starts with a healthy mouth. That's why we're excited to share this series of real talk and straightforward solutions on how to improve oral health. This is the second post of the series.

Traditionally, dental professionals have promoted fluoride as the way to remineralize teeth. While fluoride does work, recently there have been new options that work just as well, and sometimes better, than fluoride - while also being more natural.

But first, why is remineralization so important?

Remineralizing your teeth is critical to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Strong teeth ward off tooth decay and cavities. Not only will your smile feel great, it will save you hundreds to thousands of dollars by avoiding extra dentist trips.

Think about it like this: small food particles get stuck and hang around in your mouth after you eat. Your saliva breaks down those particles into carbohydrates and sugars. Then bacteria find those yummy morsels and break them down even further, into acids. These acids are, well, acidic, and as they sit on your teeth, they dissolve the minerals (calcium and phosphorus) that make up your enamel. 

Day after day, the acids eat away at your enamel, causing your teeth to become weaker. That's why it's important to help repair the enamel by replenishing the minerals lost to the acids. Remineralization is the process of your enamel absorbing minerals and replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorus. This strengthens your teeth and stops the tooth decaying process. 

So what are my options to remineralize?

Fortunately, there are plenty of toothpastes that you can use every day to help remineralize your teeth. The downside of so many choices is, how do you know what to pick?

We asked our dentists and hygienists about this and they said no matter the brand or flavor, make sure your toothpaste has one of these ingredients:

• Fluoride

• Recaldent

• Hydroxyapatite

So long as your toothpaste has one of these, you'll be doing your teeth a huge favor. Here's more information about each of those ingredients. 

What is fluoride? And is it safe?

It's a common misconception that fluoride is a synthetic chemical. Fluoride is actually a naturally-occurring mineral that is found in many water sources. It's awesome at remineralizing teeth and fighting cavities.

Fluoride is a compound of fluorine ("F" on the periodic table). We aren't chemists so we can't give you the details, other than telling you fluoride is a natural ingredient. The two most common types you'll find in toothpaste are sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride.

Fluoride is safe and effective when used properly and in appropriate doses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms fluoride is both safe and beneficial. There isn't scientific evidence linking fluoride to negative health effects when it's used appropriately.

All that said, if you are looking for a fluoride alternative, there are also two AMAZING options: Recaldent and hydroxyapatite.

Recaldent? Sounds like a tooth recall…

… but it's not. Recaldent is a milk-derived protein that releases calcium and phosphate, which enamel can then absorb. It's often recommended for people with dry mouths since it does not irritate dry mouths like some other toothpastes.

However, if you have a lactose allergy talk to a professional before you use Recaldent. Because it is milk-derived, it may cause an allergic reaction if you have issues with other dairy products.

Hydro-what? Hydroxyapatite?

Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring form of calcium apatite, also known as calcium phosphate. Oh hey, that's the same stuff your enamel is made out of! So it's no surprise that hydroxyapatite helps to replenish the calcium and phosphorus lost to acids on your teeth. It can also reduce plaque, minimize bleeding gums, and reduce the bacteria found in your mouth.

Never heard of it before? You're not alone. Maybe that's because once upon a time it was a secret! NASA figured out Hydroxyapatite and sent it to space with its astronauts. Hanging out in a no-gravity environment caused astronauts to lose minerals in their teeth and bones, so NASA introduced hydroxyapatite to more effectively repair those lost minerals.

No matter what you choose, be sure to use that remineralizing agent daily (ideally twice per day) to keep your enamel strong and brilliant - just like you!

Be a smart mouth with Wally. Custom oral care designed for your mouth and your life.