Though fluoride has been used for decades to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay, it has also been linked to health problems such as Alzheimer's disease and diminished IQ in children, according to the National Research Council's report, "Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions that children under 6 should not use fluoridated toothpaste, and that anyone who swallows more toothpaste than is used for brushing should contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Manufacturers of natural products sometimes offer fluoride-free toothpastes that clean with ingredients such as hydrated silica or xylitol.
Health Risks
According to the Fluoride Action Network, 18 different human studies have demonstrated a link between elevated levels of fluoride and IQ deficits in children. Studies in China revealed that higher levels of fluoride in drinking water were found to be associated with higher rates of mental retardation, and that fluorinated drinking water has a neurotoxic effect in children. According to the National Research Council, fluoride also increases the production of free radicals in the brain, which could lead to a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.
Children and Toothpaste
Though fluoride advocates maintain that the levels of fluoride in children's toothpaste are acceptable for topical application, research suggests that children do not have full control of their swallowing reflexes and may ingest more fluoride than is safe. A 1995 study at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry found that approximately half of children between the ages of 4 and 6 do not spit out toothpaste or rinse their mouths after brushing and tend to use too much toothpaste, especially when using flavored formulas targeted to children. "Small amounts of this material go a long way in causing disruption in [children's] bodies because they are so small," reports the Fluoride Action Network.
Fluoride Alternatives
Nonfluorinated toothpastes use natural ingredients such as hydrated silica, cranberry extract and xylitol to prevent the adhesion of bacteria to teeth and remove plaque. A derivative of silicon dioxide, hydrated silica is a mild abrasive that works synergistically with calcium carbonate to remove plaque. Hydrated silica also gives a gel-like texture to the toothpaste and helps remove stains.
Cranberry extract has been shown to keep bacteria from sticking to teeth and prevent the development of dental plaque, according to research published in "Oral Microbiology and Immunology" and "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition."
Xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener, reduces the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth and promotes the flow of saliva to help wash away sugars.
Products
Companies that produce personal care products made with natural ingredients are often likely to offer nonfluoridated versions of toothpaste for both adults and children. Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Children's Silly Strawberry toothpaste cleans with calcium carbonate and hydrated silica. Burt's Bees Kids Berry Bee Natural Toothpaste is a berry-flavored fluoride-free formula that contains cranberry extract and is free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and sweeteners. Kiss My Face offers a fluoride-free version of its Obsessively Natural Kids Toothpaste that contains hydrated silica, cranberry and xylitol.
Cautions
When choosing toothpaste and other personal care products, be aware that there are no government regulations for the word "natural." Products labeled "natural" may still contain synthetic or harmful ingredients. Always read ingredient lists and watch for other potentially damaging ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, foaming agents that can cause skin and mouth irritation.
References
- Fluoride Action Network: Health Effects: Fluoride & the Brain
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
- Humboldt Free: Effect of Fluoride in Drinking Water on Children's Intelligence (PDF)
- Fluoride Action Network: Toothpaste: How Safe?
- Tom's of Main: Good Science: Hydrated Silica
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