Fluoride is added to the majority of US water supplies (on the premises of preventing dental cavities) even though it is a toxic industrial waste product. Even in trace amounts, it can act as poison for our bodies.
But is it justifiable? Or as some say, are there some safer and better options for decreasing tooth decay than taking in hazardous pollutants? Turns out there are and you would be delighted to know its name: chocolate extract!
All Hail the Chocolate Toothpaste
According to a recent study presented at the American Dental Association (ADA) 2013 Annual Session, fluoride toothpaste may have a new competitor, toothpaste containing cacao extract theobromine.
Tests were carried out to determine which of the two was better in repair and re-mineralization of exposed dentin. Turns out that the cacao-extract toothpaste won. Patients who brushed teeth with it twice a day for a week had 100% dental occlusion with their exposed dentin repaired or re-mineralized.
According to a press release:
“The comparison to toothpastes containing fluoride – one as much as 5,000 ppm [parts per million] – validates what our research has shown all along: that Rennou [the cocoa extract] … is more effective and safer than fluoride, which can be toxic if ingested.”
Mercola writes:
Past research has also shown that the chocolate ingredient theobromine works better than fluoride. When lesions in artificial enamel were treated with theobromine, remineralization occurred at a greater rate than when they were treated with fluoride.2 The study found, in fact, that theobromine made teeth less vulnerable to bacterial acid erosion that could lead to cavities.
Is Fluoride Good In Cavity Prevention?
The question remains- is Fluoride good enough to be retained in toothpastes, mouthwashes and other fluoride treatments despite it being harmful in case of ingestion?
Various studies are now scrutinizing just how effective fluoride is. A study published in journal Langmuir in December 2010, reveals that fluoride protects our teeth with a fluorapatite layer, which is just 6 nanometers thick. To bring things into perspective, you would need 10,000 of these to get the width of a hair strand!
Fluoride Toothpaste- Unsafe For Children
Fluoride toothpaste is often a major reason behind Fluoride intake in young children and is often also the cause for disfiguring dental fluorosis.
Children often ingest a large amount of toothpaste they use. It is hence best to use non-fluoride toothpaste for them, or supervise them if you are using fluoride toothpastes. Also, do not purchase candy-flavored toothpastes for them which can make them want to swallow it.
Swallowing Fluoride
As if using fluoride in toothpaste wasn’t bad enough, you are also made to swallow it in the form of drinking water. Fluoride, a toxic chemical can lead to many health problems as it accumulates in your tissues. Children particularly are more at risk because of their overexposure to fluoride. Many studies have also reported an association between fluoride exposure and reduced IQ in children.
As shown in the documentary film Flouridegate, some of the common health problems are: increased lead absorption, increased tumor growth, disrupted immune system, lower IQ, genetic damage, muscle disorder, and bone cancer. These are but just a few of the many possible health problems emanating due to the toxicity of fluoride.
At the moment, toothpaste containing theobromine and other natural ingredients appear to be safer and more effective than those containing fluoride. Water fluoride, also appears to be an ineffective procedure. In order for better dental and overall health, here is what you can do:
* Avoid toothpastes containing fluoride as well as fluoridated water
* Limit your grain and sugar consumption. Consume natural, whole foods instead of processed foods.
* Have a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, meats and fresh, whole foods.
* Practice good, oral hygiene.
* Try oil pulling using coconut oil.
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