Often, buyers of toothpastes notice such concepts as "Fluoride" and "Fluoride"on packages. But how many people have wondered whether fluoride is useful or harmful for health?! Opinions were divided, the first half considers the presence of fluoride in toothpaste mandatory, and the second that fluoride is poisonous and only brings harm. Let's find out what fluoride is and whether it is really harmful, as some people think.
Fluoride is a fluorine ion, a natural element that is part of the earth's crust.
Therefore, it is natural that a small proportion of fluoride is contained in natural water, in the flora and fauna surrounding us (vegetables, fruits, berries, mushrooms, cereals, tea leaves, and also accumulates in animal tissues).
Thus, we get fluoride from the food and water that we consume every day.
The main purpose of fluoride in dentistry is to fight tooth decay, since it is believed that it is toxic to bacteria. The main food for oral bacteria is sugar (glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose or food starch). Waste from the vital activity of bacteria leads to the dissolution of the tooth enamel, demineralization and, as a result, to caries.
As fluorine-containing additives, they are used:
Sodium monofluorophosphate-this compound slowly dissociates into ions and active fluorine is released from it quite slowly, so for the effectiveness of the component, brushing your teeth should last at least 2 minutes.
Sodium fluoride-quickly forms active ions during brushing. It has a very high remineralizing activity, due to which there is a rapid strengthening of the teeth.
Aminofluoride is a very active component of toothpastes. It is noted that aminofluoride reduces the surface tension of saliva and is present in the oral fluid for a longer time compared to other sources of fluoride.
Anticariotic effects of fluorides:
1. They interact with one of the main mineral components of dental tissues ‐ hydroxyappatite ‐ to form a very stable and poorly soluble compound ‐ hydroxyfluoroappatite. As a result, the permeability of the enamel decreases and its stability increases.
2. In childhood, they affect the exchange of the protein phase of the enamel, participating in the formation of teeth and, consequently, their resistance to caries.
3. Stimulate the remineralization of hard tooth tissues.
4. Slow down the production of acids and glucose metabolism by microorganisms.
However, do not forget that fluorine, a toxic chemical element and its excess can lead to serious disorders in the body. Usually, manufacturers of toothpastes use the minimum percentage of fluorides necessary for prevention in their compositions, so it will not harm the body. However, if a person consumes products with a high content of fluorides, for example, in water, it is worth consulting a dentist and paying attention to toothpastes without fluoride.
Taking into account the properties of various forms of fluorine salts and their anti-carious effectiveness, as well as the age and features of the dental status, a strictly individualized approach to the choice of preventive personal hygiene products is necessary, not formal, but strictly individualized.
To be sure about choosing a toothpaste, consult a dentist.
The information is taken from open sources.