Fluoride in toothpaste is good and bad

Whether fluoride in the toothpaste is beneficial or vice versa, many people argue today. At one time it was believed that this chemical component is simply necessary. But after the statement of scientists that it is actually toxic, and for poisoning a very small dose of substance is needed, the society has begun unrest.

Why did fluoride begin to be added to toothpastes?

In fact, this element is needed by the body. In a small amount, he must act regularly. And the evidence that toothpaste and fluoride can be useful, scientists have provided as early as the beginning of the twentieth century. They managed to find out the following:

  1. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel . The latter includes hydroxyapatite. Fluorine binds to it and transforms it into fluorapatite, a stronger compound that is difficult to destroy by carious microbes.
  2. The chemical element prevents the adherence of microparticles that form dental calculi .
  3. Scientifically proven and the fact that fluoride has a bactericidal effect. Fluorides - fluoride ions - do not give normal development to pathogens that feed on tooth enamel. Accordingly, they do not allow caries to develop. Moreover, dentists have faced cases when, under the influence of fluoride, even the already begun carious lesion was cured.
  4. Fluorides are capable of increasing the functional activity of the salivary glands. Sometimes the phenomenon, of course, can bring and harm, but more often it is still attributed to the beneficial properties of toothpaste with fluoride. All due to the fact that the increase in activity also prevents caries - due to the fact that saliva contains phosphorus ions with calcium, saturating the tooth enamel.

Is fluoride harmful in toothpaste and what?

And yet, fluoride is a poisonous substance. If there is an overabundance in the body, there may be disruptions in the process phosphorus-calcium metabolism and mineralization of bones.

Fluorosis - a disease diagnosed with an overabundance of the element - is manifested mainly by cosmetic defects in the teeth. They form white spots, which in time can darken and become similar to carious lesions.

Is fluoride harmful in toothpaste? If you do not swallow it, then the substance can not get into the blood and does not hurt. The same concentration of fluoride, which is contained in most branded products, is safe for the body. It is enough to provide useful properties, but not enough for poisoning.