You might have heard people arguing about fluoride in toothpaste. Some say it’s dangerous, while others say it’s a must-have. So, what’s the truth?
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, rocks, and even some foods and drinks – black tea anyone? It’s added to toothpaste because it makes teeth stronger and helps stop tooth decay from forming. Even if you are in the “it’s dangerous” camp, the tooth strengthening evidence is pretty darn solid.
Using a fluoride toothpaste reduces the risk of decay by about 25%
For kids, the evidence is even stronger. The risk is reduced by up to 38%.
Is it Safe?
Yes, when used the right way. In New Zealand, toothpaste with fluoride is regulated to make sure it’s at a safe level for both kids and adults. All standard or supermarket toothpastes are limited to a maximum of 1500ppm (parts per million) fluoride. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t eat toothpaste like food, but using a pea-sized amount on your toothbrush twice a day is completely safe. Even if you have kids that can’t or won’t spit after brushing.
Why do we need it?
Without fluoride, teeth are more likely to get weak spots that can turn into cavities. This is especially true for baby teeth, and kids with newly erupting adult teeth. Skipping the fluoride toothpaste generally means more trips to the dentist or oral health therapist (plus fillings, which no one wants). Fluoride toothpaste is one of the easiest ways to prevent decay, alongside a good diet without too many sugary or acidic things.
The Bottom Line
In New Zealand, using a 1000-1450ppm fluoride toothpaste is safe, smart, and dentist/oral health therapist-approved for all ages. Just remember:
Kids under 6 – Brush with a rice grain-sized amount, twice a day. Spit (if possible!), don’t rinse.
Adults and kids over 6 – Brush with a pea-sized amount, twice a day, Spit, don’t rinse.
Don’t eat a whole tube of toothpaste 🙃
In my humble opinion, this is the best way to set yourself and your whānau up for healthy teeth, for life.
Is Fluoride Toothpaste Safe?
You might have heard people arguing about fluoride in toothpaste. Some say it’s dangerous, while others say it’s a must-have. So, what’s the truth?
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, rocks, and even some foods and drinks – black tea anyone? It’s added to toothpaste because it makes teeth stronger and helps stop tooth decay from forming. Even if you are in the “it’s dangerous” camp, the tooth strengthening evidence is pretty darn solid.
Using a fluoride toothpaste reduces the risk of decay by about 25%
For kids, the evidence is even stronger. The risk is reduced by up to 38%.
Is it Safe?
Yes, when used the right way. In New Zealand, toothpaste with fluoride is regulated to make sure it’s at a safe level for both kids and adults. All standard or supermarket toothpastes are limited to a maximum of 1500ppm (parts per million) fluoride. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t eat toothpaste like food, but using a pea-sized amount on your toothbrush twice a day is completely safe. Even if you have kids that can’t or won’t spit after brushing.
Why do we need it?
Without fluoride, teeth are more likely to get weak spots that can turn into cavities. This is especially true for baby teeth, and kids with newly erupting adult teeth. Skipping the fluoride toothpaste generally means more trips to the dentist or oral health therapist (plus fillings, which no one wants). Fluoride toothpaste is one of the easiest ways to prevent decay, alongside a good diet without too many sugary or acidic things.
The Bottom Line
In New Zealand, using a 1000-1450ppm fluoride toothpaste is safe, smart, and dentist/oral health therapist-approved for all ages. Just remember:
In my humble opinion, this is the best way to set yourself and your whānau up for healthy teeth, for life.