Fluoride. It’s the word that’s been swirling around social feeds and wellness blogs alike. Lately, there's been a growing buzz about fluoride-free toothpaste – but what's the truth behind it all? Is fluoride in toothpaste bad for you, or is it the saviour your smile deserves?
Let’s break it down – no jargon, no scare tactics – just the facts.
Why is fluoride in toothpaste?
First things first: why is fluoride in toothpaste to begin with? Fluoride (sodium fluoride, to be specific) is a naturally occurring mineral that's been protecting teeth from decay for decades.
When you brush with fluoride toothpaste, tiny amounts of fluoride get absorbed into your enamel, making your teeth more resistant to acid attacks from food, drinks, and plaque.
No other ingredient – natural or synthetic – can do this job as effectively. Without fluoride, even the most plant-based, eco-friendly toothpaste is missing a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy.
Is fluoride bad for you?
In a word: no. But like most things in life, it’s all about the right amount.
The idea that fluoride is harmful often comes from misinformation or confusion about how much fluoride is safe to use. At extremely high doses (much higher than what’s in toothpaste), fluoride can cause health problems – but the 1450 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride found in our toothpaste is perfectly safe and dentist-approved. This level strikes the balance between protecting your teeth and keeping your body happy.
In fact, countless studies – backed by organisations like the NHS, Department for Health and Social Care and the World Health Organisation – consistently show that fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay.
So while fluoride-free toothpaste might sound appealing, there’s currently no hard proof that skipping fluoride will improve your health.
What about hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
Hydroxyapatite is the latest ingredient to make waves in the world of toothpaste – and for good reason. This naturally occurring mineral makes up the majority of our enamel and has been shown in studies to remineralise teeth and protect against cavities.
While hydroxyapatite is a promising alternative, experts agree that more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effectiveness compared to fluoride.
That's why we've chosen not to rely solely on hydroxyapatite in our formula. When it comes to your smile, we believe in backing what’s proven – and right now, fluoride remains the gold standard for cavity prevention.
Why do people want to avoid fluoride in toothpaste?
The rise in non-fluoride toothpaste is part of a wider movement towards natural, chemical-free products. We get it – nobody wants nasties in their daily routine. But here's the deal: fluoride isn’t a nasty. It’s a naturally occurring mineral that’s been quietly doing good things for teeth for over 70 years.
A lot of the worry around fluoride stems from myths and fear-mongering rather than hard science. When used in the right way (like in toothpaste), fluoride is not only safe – it’s essential for protecting your smile.
The Life Supplies way: natural, without compromise
We believe in creating products that are kinder to the planet without compromising on what’s best for your body. Our refillable toothpaste ditches the unnecessary chemicals, but keeps fluoride right where it belongs – at the dentist-recommended level of 1450 ppm.
Majedeh Mazraei, our Formulation Chemist and resident dental expert explains:
“Our mission is to make cleaner products that don’t compromise on performance. Fluoride is the only ingredient scientifically proven to protect teeth against cavities – that’s why we’ve chosen to include it at the optimal level in our toothpaste.”
With us, you get the best of both worlds: a more natural toothpaste that still protects your teeth for the long haul. No scare tactics. No cutting corners. Just toothpaste worth smiling about.
The bottom line?
When it comes to protecting your enamel, there’s simply no better option than fluoride. Non-fluoride toothpaste might look good on paper – but when it comes to real results, fluoride wins every time.
Ready to switch to a better way to brush? Our refillable toothpaste has got you (and your enamel) covered.
Sources
NHS: How to keep your teeth clean.
Department of Health & Social Care, 2021: Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention.
Walsh T et al. 2019: Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 3.
British Dental Journal, 2021: WHO includes fluoride preparations on children's medicine list.
Amaechi, B.T. et al, 2019: Comparative efficacy of a hydroxyapatite and a fluoride toothpaste for prevention and remineralization of dental caries in children. British Dental Journal.
