• Im_old@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    The question is: does it make sense to buy toothpaste with fluoride then or can I buy one without? Just because my kids don’t like the peppermint ones and other flavours are most of the times without fluoride

    • Rookwood@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      Fluoridated toothpaste is more effective than drinking water. The fluoride works by direct contact with the enamel. Another reason it doesn’t make sense to put it in drinking water.

      • SuperIce@lemmy.world
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        3 days ago

        Fluoride in the water is beneficial in the pre-eruptive phase (when teeth are still growing). Fluoride ingestion increases tooth resistence to cavities if the ingestion happened while they were growing.

        This does mean that fluoride in water isn’t really useful after you have all your permanent teeth though.

    • insomniac_lemon@lemmy.cafe
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      3 days ago

      For other toothpaste that still strengthens enamel, there is toothpaste with hydroxyapatite (which can be ingested, at least that specific ingredient). Though it is probably more expensive.

        • insomniac_lemon@lemmy.cafe
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          3 days ago

          I mean you can buy it here in a normal store. So I’m not sure if you mean a dentist can’t use/provide it, or if you’re thinking about the nano forms of it.

          Edit, just saw this:

          the FDA regulates dental products like toothpaste as cosmetics rather than therapeutic agents for cavity prevention

          Interestingly, many ingredients used in dental care, including fluoride, are employed off-label. This means they are used in ways not officially approved by the FDA but are still considered effective based on scientific evidence and clinical practice