Ogbevoen put that number at roughly 1% of people). Some people are actually allergic to fluoride, but it's incredibly rare (Dr. This is pretty rare and comes from overconsuming fluoride in the pastвЂ“so you're not going to develop it from using fluoridated toothpaste or water. 'Fluoride can strengthen your existing teeth and make them more resistant to cavities however, when fluoride is ingested in large amounts, it can cause a condition called dental fluorosis, which causes discoloration and pitting in the teeth along with brown or white spots,' says Dr. That being said, there are a select few categories for whom it makes sense to avoid fluoride in toothpaste: Fluoride is essential for healthy teeth and the concentration in toothpaste doesn't pose a risk, all our experts agree. In most cases, you shouldn't be using fluoride-free toothpaste. 'However, most people are drinking bottled or filtered water, and the fluoride is removed.' 'If your water is fluoridated and you are always drinking that water, then you should be fine without a fluoride toothpaste,' says Dr. She also points out that some people get fluoride through their city water - but this isn't universally applicable. 'I always recommend to my patients to have fluoride varnish at least once a year.' Saw believes fluoride-free toothpaste can be safe for some patients, but she still recommends getting fluoride elsewhere for your teeth. Nehi Ogbevoen, DDS, and certified orthodontic specialist at Barkate & Nehi Orthodontics in California told Insider, like many other dentists, feels that fluoride in your toothpaste specifically 'is a must.'Д«ut other experts feel the mineral doesn't have to come via your toothpaste. Yes, fluoride is necessary and all our experts agree it's essential for dental health. If you're at high risk for tooth decay or cavities, your safest toothpaste is one with fluoride. However, while fluoride-free toothpaste may be a safe alternative for some people, they're not necessarily the safest option for your oral health, said Yvette Carrillo, DDS, MS, a board-certified periodontist and implant surgeon in San Diego.

Just like fluoridated varieties, non-fluoride toothpaste is completely safe, Dr. Is it OK to use fluoride-free toothpaste? The goal of conventional toothpaste and mouthwashes with fluoride is to help remineralize and strengthen your enamel - which is constantly breaking down due to the foods and drinks we consume throughout the day, Dr. Now, you might think brushing is in charge of fighting cavities, but it actually serves a different purpose: 'The goal of brushing your teeth is to have the mechanical action disrupt and remove the physical plaque that sits on our teeth,' said Dr. 'Fluoride helps protect the tooth's enamel and provides a natural protectant against cavities,' said Dr. I also unpacked a number of FAQs around who should use fluoride-free toothpaste, what side effects fluoride has, and what ingredients to look for when picking one out.ДЄmazon Bite Aesop Toothpaste Dentifrice Revitin Alyssa Powell/Insider To do so, I tested nearly a dozen fluoride-free toothpastes and consulted with four dentists to determine the best. Although I'll err on the side of science and say most everyone should use fluoridated toothpaste, I still want to provide options for all types of people.

The bottom line is this: There's enough valid research showing the benefits of fluoride, no matter how you get it, and nearly no science-backed downsides of fluoride toothpaste itself.

Others, like Tina Saw, DDS, CEO and clinical director of Oral Genome in Carlsbad, CA, say you can score enough of the mineral through drinking local, fluoridated water. Most dentists say it's absolutely necessary while others admit you may only need it if you're a high risk to develop tooth decay. This is why all dentists agree your teeth need some amount of fluoride - but there's still plenty of confusion around whether you need it in your actual toothpaste. The use of fluoride can be a charged topic but the naturally-occurring mineral isn't only safe, it's also been extensively studied and proven to help strengthen teeth enamel and prevent cavities. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission.

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