Fluoride-Free

WE’RE COMMITTED TO A FLUORIDE-FREE PRACTICE

Since the 1950s, fluoride has largely been touted as a great public health victory, an important factor in combating tooth decay. However, the use of fluoride in our water and in dentistry is a controversial topic. While it’s still widely used in dental practices across the United States, fluoride does not actually remineralize or rebuild teeth and there’s debate on whether fluoride does more harm than good. 

At Julian Center for Toxic-Free Dentistry, we’re committed to holistic dentistry and providing our patients with comprehensive care designed to protect their total wellness. As such, we refrain from using products containing fluoride.

WHAT IS FLUORIDE?

Fluoride is a mineral that’s naturally occurring in bones and teeth. Trace amounts can also be detected in water, soil, plants, and rocks. Fluoride is one of the most abundant elements found in nature, and in those commonly minuscule doses, it’s not harmful. But naturally occurring fluoride in high doses is not what you’ll find in toothpaste and tap water. 

There are two types of fluoride: systemic which is ingested and topical which is the type used in traditional dental practices. 

 
 

Topical Fluoride

Topical fluoride binds to the surface of your teeth and acts as an acid-resistant, temporary barrier for the teeth. While it does kill oral bacteria, the effect is short-lived—lasting around 30 minutes and killing not only the decay-causing bacteria but also the naturally occurring bacteria that your teeth need.  Topical fluoride does act as a temporary barrier, but it does not strengthen the integrity of the enamel. Instead, it can prevent essential minerals from reaching the surfaces of your teeth. For some patients, this can cause their enamel to weaken and become more susceptible to decay.

 

Systemic Fluoride

Systemic fluoride is ingested either through our public water sources or through tablets. Current research suggests that ingesting fluoride has more negative effects than positive and has been suspected to cause neurotoxicity in younger children.

Recent studies have shown a decrease in IQ in children receiving fluoride. Also, fluoride may cause dental fluorosis (discoloring of the teeth), skeletal fluorosis and calcification of the pineal gland.

Tooth decay is not a sign of fluoride deficiency and increasing exposure to fluoride offers low-quality protection against decay.

FLUORIDE ALTERNATIVES

During your consultation, Dr. Sambataro will provide you with information on healthy alternatives to fluoride and ways to naturally keep your mouth and body in good health. When you visit Julian Center for Toxic-Free Dentistry, you can trust that the fluoride alternatives we provide will keep your teeth healthy and clean. A few fluoride alternatives that can help strengthen tooth enamel include:

  • MI Paste
  • Calcium
  • Revitin
  • Tooth Builder Toothpaste
  • Xylitol
  • Coconut Oil
  • Fluoride-Free Mouthwash

If you have issues with persistent decay, Dr. Sambataro will also review your oral hygiene, diet, and nutrition in order to create a customized plan for preventing tooth decay. Eating a healthy diet full of mineral-rich foods and drinking plenty of water are also great ways to keep your mouth healthy, strengthen your teeth, and prevent tooth decay.