An ingredient to be used with moderation.
You certainly recognise it from your youth, perhaps in the form of small tablets. It’s fluorine. An essential trace element found in teeth and bones, that can be harmful if consumed excessively. This is why it isn’t contained in our new whitening toothpaste. Non-fluoridated toothpaste equals better health.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a trace element whose origins go back to the 16th century, discovered by the German Georgius Agricola (whose name, for the record, means Farmer Farmer – although he worked on mineralogy). It is one of the constituents of bone tissue (along with calcium and phosphorus). It is also known to strengthen tooth enamel, and as such, would protect teeth against the acid attacks of dental plaque and cavities.
Consume in moderation
Above 2 mg of fluoride consumed per day (and per kilogram) can cause fluorosis, which affects the teeth by creating small white spots that become more prominent as the fluorises worsens. Fluoride is found in several foods: salt (check to see if it is marked ‘fluorinated’ on the packaging), fish, but also in tap water sometimes, and especially in bottled water. It is advisable to consult your dental surgeon to assess fluoride in your teeth, and opt for a toothpaste where it isn’t present. Because yes, sometimes you swallow toothpaste when brushing your teeth.
So, is Horace toothpaste effective?
Sure! It is very effective against cavities. Decay is an attack on the dentin, which is initially shielded from bacteria by the tooth enamel. These bacteria attach themselves to teeth, thanks to dental plaque and tartar: if dental plaque isn’t removed every day, it can harden and form tartar. Once attached, bacteria turns food debris into acid: which attacks the enamel, causing holes that the bacteria use to reach the dentin. To prevent cavities from forming, the other option (the fluoride-free option, in short) is to remove dental plaque each day, to reduce the prolonged presence of bacteria. This is what so-called abrasive powders do. Our toothpaste is made up of around 47% – which remains gentle, but effective. A perfect way to avoid dental plaque.
So, a good brush with a fluoride-free toothpaste, twice a day, will help you fight back against dental plaque. But also cavities and fluorosis. Life is indeed beautiful.