For years we have been told that we need to use fluoride to prevent cavities, but is this true?
Cavities are not caused by a lack of fluoride—our teeth do not naturally contain fluoride. The actual cause of cavities is primarily a lack of minerals, which means the best way to protect teeth is through remineralization, or replacing lost minerals.
But the matter does not end there.
Facts You Don’t Know About Fluoride
Fluoride is an unwanted byproduct of aluminum production, so when you use fluoride toothpaste, aluminum enters your lymphatic system even if you don’t swallow it.
One of the most significant drawbacks of fluoride is that it is neurotoxic in high doses and produces toxic effects on the brain.
Studies show that fluoride exposure may be linked to the following health problems :
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amnesia
- Hormonal imbalances
- Neurological diseases
So why would we continue to use a toxic byproduct of aluminum when there is a natural alternative that our bodies already recognize and use?
Fluoride vs. Hydroxyapatite: Key Differences
1 – How Do They Work?
- Fluoride protects against acids by forming a thin layer called fluorapatite on the tooth surface, but does not restore lost minerals.
- Hydroxyapatite (HAp) naturally integrates into tooth enamel, restoring lost minerals, filling small cracks and strengthening teeth.
2 – Fluoride: A By-Product of Aluminum
- Fluoride, an industrial waste material, is neurotoxic and has been linked to Alzheimer’s, memory loss, and hormonal imbalances.
- Hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral that makes up 97% of our teeth and bonds perfectly to tooth enamel.
3 – Toxicity
- Fluoride can accumulate in the brain, bones, and thyroid, leading to long-term health problems.
- Hydroxyapatite is biocompatible, completely safe, and non-toxic even if swallowed.
4 – Effects on Oral Flora
- While fluoride kills harmful bacteria, it also harms the beneficial bacteria in the mouth and can disrupt the microbiome balance.
- Hydroxyapatite supports healthy bacteria in the mouth and prevents harmful bacteria from adhering to tooth enamel.
5 – Scientific Research and Activity
- Although fluoride helps prevent cavities, it carries long-term health risks.
- NASA has researched hydroxyapatite, which has been proven to be as effective as fluoride in scientific studies, and is considered the gold standard in Japan.
6 – Is It Safe For Children?
- Fluoride toothpastes pose risks if swallowed. They can lead to dental fluorosis (white spots) and possible neurological effects.
- Hydroxyapatite toothpastes are entirely safe for children and strengthen teeth development without toxicity.
While it’s just starting to become popular, it’s not a discovery — it’s been around for decades . Sometimes the best solutions take a while to catch on.
This isn’t just a theory —NASA has used hydroxyapatite for years.
NASA has studied hydroxyapatite supplements to help astronauts protect their teeth and bones in space.
Inspired by NASA’s studies on hydroxyapatite, the Japanese company Sangi investigated what effect hydroxyapatite could have on teeth and concluded:
Hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral found in teeth. If added to toothpaste, it can restore minerals lost during daily brushing.
Sangi discovered NASA’s hydroxyapatite technology in 1974 and launched APADENT, the world’s first hydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste 1980.
Although it was initially known as “the world’s most expensive toothpaste,” it has been considered the gold standard in Japan for over 40 years .
What About Natural Toothpastes?
Many people choose natural, fluoride-free toothpastes to avoid fluoride. But there’s a significant problem:
Most natural toothpastes do not contain an active ingredient that provides remineralization, which means:
It may not be harmful, but it does not protect or strengthen your teeth.
Scientific studies show hydroxyapatite is as effective as fluoride but not toxic.
So why would we still choose a harmful alternative?
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39761023
