The internet is stocked full of trends, opinions and information. Fluoride has been a controversial topic for decades, with many patients often asking their dentist, “Is fluoride really necessary?”
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in water, soil, plants and rocks. It’s also proven to protect the hard outer enamel layer of teeth from cavities. Each day minerals are lost and added to the enamel layer of the teeth, including through our diets and dental products. When there’s an imbalance, decay begins – and it doesn’t affect just kids!
The American diet is loaded with sugar, acid and carbs, feeding the bacteria that produce acids that cause dental decay. When teeth are exposed to acid attacks from the bacteria, it leads to cavities.
Fluoride can help protect the teeth and reverse very early signs of decay. In fact, according to the CDC, the number of missing, decayed teeth in 12-year-old children dropped by 68% between the 1960s and 1990s after fluoride was added to community water. Fluoride comes in many forms, whether professional or homecare-based products are used.
Dental professionals recommend using a fluoride toothpaste daily as the most efficient way to prevent dental decay. In addition, a cavity protection mouthwash is highly effective, especially when an individual has a high cavity risk or does not brush for the recommended 2 minutes twice daily.
I recommend that all my patients use mouthwash to help reach where the toothbrush may miss. The key is to use an alcohol-free rinse (alcohol can lead to dry mouth), like a chlorine dioxide rinse. Recent studies are proving the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide rinse. Oxyfresh Cavity Protection Mouthwash contains both fluoride and Oxygene®, their exclusive blend of stabilized chlorine dioxide, which is highly effective in reducing the bacteria that contribute to dental diseases. It’s part of their complete Cavity Fighting System, giving individuals the necessary tools to fight back against acid, bad breath and dental decay.
Fluoride is also a common treatment for dental sensitivity, helping to protect the exposed layer and depositing minerals for desensitizing action. Gum recession is often the root cause of sensitivity and a driving force for individuals to seek solutions when regular toothpaste isn’t enough.
While fluoride has long been established to help in the fight against dental cavities for the general population, it may not be the answer for everyone. That’s why Oxyfresh offers many fluoride-free options, including toothpaste, rinse, and dental gel. Their Lemon Mint toothpaste and rinse utilize xylitol, which has been shown to inhibit the formation of plaque and bacteria. Combined with essential oils, zinc and chlorine dioxide, their formulations are effective and safe for all members of the family.
