Fluoride works. That’s an undisputed fact. It prevents tooth decay by supporting the remineralization process and slowing enamel damage caused by plaque.

We’re not against fluoride, which has been extensively studied and tested in clinical trials. But because there is so much scientific research behind fluoride, we also know about the less-publicized health concerns involved, too. Fluoride is especially dangerous for small children, who usually end up swallowing more toothpaste than they should. (It does look a bit like frosting, doesn’t it?)

This isn’t a big secret. Traditional toothpaste companies actually acknowledge the dangers of swallowing too much fluoride! If you look at the back of a traditional toothpaste tube, there is a warning against usage for children under six years of age. It also tells you to call Poison Control if you swallow too much. 

What happens when you swallow too much fluoride? You can get fluorosis, which is when your teeth become yellow and molten-looking due to hypermineralization. When young children ingest too much fluoride, they may also develop problems with the thyroid and bones, such as skeletal fluorosis, which can lead to bones becoming too brittle as you age.

Traditional toothpaste companies aren’t worried that this will deter you from using fluoride toothpaste, though. They’re banking on the fact that you think you have no other options, especially because many traditional all-natural toothpastes are not effective at removing plaque. You might as well be brushing with water!

But you do have wonderful alternatives that are clinically proven, research-backed, and much safer than fluoride formulations. For example, toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite (HA) instead of fluoride provides all the benefits of tooth remineralization without health concerns. That’s because HA is a mineral that occurs naturally in your tooth enamel. HA is one of the most heavily studied biomaterials in the medical field, and some studies even say that it is superior to fluoride for its remineralization effects. Dentists approve of HA, and so do parents.

Our RiseWell Natural Kids Toothpaste is formulated with HA—and it tastes like birthday cake batter. (Yes, your kid can eat it without worries, though we’d rather they brush with it!) Given the choice between fluoride and HA for your child, it’s a no-brainer. For once, you don’t have to make compromises.

About Dr. Derek

He is not only Co-Founder of RiseWell. Dr. Derek Gatta is a partner at Dr Max & Dr Gatta PLLC in Boca Raton, Florida. If you are in the area, he is your go-to dentist!