Fluoride, in small amounts, can help protect your teeth from cavities and can even help to strengthen your bones. The problem is that if you get too much fluoride it can cause discoloration of the teeth and may even weaken the enamel.

Fluorine, the base molecule of fluoride, is a very reactive molecule and there is a lot of controversy surrounding its use. Therefore, I would say whether or not you choose to use fluoride is a very personal choice. I do think it's important to make an informed choice, so today I'm going to tell you a little about the benefits, the risks, and the best ways to use fluoride and some great alternatives to fluoride, too.

The Benefits and Risks of Fluoride Use

Fluoride is present in the earth's crust and in the general water supply, although in very small amounts. It's a natural compound, but it is toxic in high amounts.

When you expose your tooth enamel to fluoride, it does two things. It strengthens the tooth's enamel so that it can resist breakdown from acids and plaque. It also helps your teeth to form new enamel, which means it can help to reverse cavities when they are still small. I definitely prefer to use topical fluoride like a rinse to systemic fluoride like a supplement.

I've found in my own practice, that judicious use of fluoride can be useful, especially in children. It definitely cuts down on the number of cavities. However, I also think that with the many ways we get fluoride, it's easy to get too much. So, I do support my patients who are looking for alternatives.

My Two Favorite Fluoride Alternatives

Fluoride is an effective deterrent of tooth decay. But it is not your only option. When a patient asks me about alternatives to fluoride, I recommend green tea and xylitol without hesitation.

Green tea contains compounds that help to strengthen bones and teeth. In one study, researchers found that people who drank green tea regularly had bones that were more that 5% denser than those of the control group. 1

Strong bones and strong teeth go hand in hand, so it follows that green tea can improve the health of your teeth, as well. Another study found that compounds in green tea lower plaque levels and levels of the bacteria that cause gingivitis. 2

Xylitol is a sweet alcohol found in some fruits and in the bark of birch trees. It's often used as a sugar substitute or a sweetener for sugar-free gums and candies. It has the added benefit of fighting cavities. In fact, one study found that adding xylitol makes fluoride toothpastes more effective. 3

While I do think that fluoride can be used to safely reduce cavities, it is certainly not the only option, and may not be the best option for you and your family… only you can decide.