Self-reflection:

• How do the ingredients in my toothpaste affect my general health?
• Is fluoride-free toothpaste healthier than fluoride toothpaste?
• What is the best alternative to fluoride in toothpaste?

Key takeaways:

• Fluoride is usually added to most toothpaste brands to prevent tooth decay.
• Fluoride in toothpaste is linked to several detrimental health effects.
• Nano hydroxyapatite is a natural, superior and safer alternative to fluoride.

In the quest for good oral health, fresh breath, and whiter teeth, you have likely sifted through a multitude of toothpaste brands on the market. So you’ve probably noticed one additive common in most oral care products: fluoride.

Standard toothpaste almost always contains fluoride. However, more and more people are awakening to the fact that fluoride is a harmful substance rather than a useful additive. Some studies have shown that fluoride ingestion can cause various side effects.

For this reason, fluoride-free toothpaste is gaining popularity. In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind fluoride use and its detrimental side effects. We’ll also introduce you to Karmicare, the world’s only biorhythmic toothpaste, an excellent fluoride-free whitening toothpaste that’s formulated with your health, wellness, and biorhythm (internal body clock) in mind.

Let’s dive in.

Why Is Fluoride in Toothpaste?

Before we look at the benefits of using fluoride-free toothpaste, let’s explore what fluoride is and why it’s in toothpaste in the first place.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and water. It’s the chemical ion of fluorine, the thirteenth most abundant element in the periodic table.

Over the years, many toothpaste brands have included fluoride in their products for several reasons.

Fluoride, especially in combination with other ingredients like zinc citrate, helps to prevent tooth decay by slowing down the demineralization of teeth. Demineralization is caused by the acids bacteria produce when they consume sugars.

Fluoride also has antiplaque properties. It cleans teeth and prevents the development of tartar, which forms when plaque hardens. Fluoride in toothpaste is sometimes combined with calcium carbonate, an abrasive that also helps to remove plaque.

Experts also argue that fluoride helps with remineralization, the process by which teeth naturally repair themselves.

While there’s no debate whether fluoride is useful in toothpaste, its use is associated with unwanted side effects. For this reason, many health care providers now recommend fluoride-free toothpaste.

Why You Should Switch to Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Despite the important functions of fluoride in dental care, there are many drawbacks associated with its use. Fluoride in the body may affect your health in several ways.

You’ll see why it’s better in the long run to change to a fluoride-free alternative. Let’s look at some of the negative effects of fluoride use.

Did you know? When you brush for 2 minutes, twice a day, as you should, you are being exposed to chemicals for 24.3 hours a year. Even when rinsing, your system still absorbs it through the mucous membrane.

1. Fluoride Impairs Sleep Quality

Up to 30% of adults suffer from short-term insomnia. While stress and screen time can impact your rest, it’s also possible that the fluoride in your toothpaste may be responsible for your sleep problems.

This is because fluoride interferes with your circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is the body’s biological clock that governs your sleep-wake cycle.

It’s maintained by a hormone called melatonin, which is produced by a part of the brain called the pineal gland. During the day, melatonin levels drop, helping you stay awake and remain active. At night, melatonin production increases, signaling your body to wind down for sleep.

But as fluoride accumulates in your body, it calcifies the pineal gland and interferes with melatonin production. This decline in melatonin levels can cause insomnia or poor quality sleep.

Ever wondered why you are wide awake staring at the ceiling after brushing your teeth before bed?

If you’re looking for solutions to your sleep problems, switching to a non-fluoride toothpaste is a good starting point.

Karmicare’s Asleep toothpaste is the best fluoride-free toothpaste for this purpose because it contains nootropics (cognitive enhancers) like valerian, an herb that improves sleep, and orange essential oil, which is a natural ingredient that assists with insomnia and can improve sleep quality.

2. Fluoride May Cause Dental Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis is the discoloration of the teeth caused by overexposure to fluoride. You might assume that surface stains are causing the color changes, but fluorosis discoloration is actually caused by the reduced mineralization of teeth due to fluoride exposure.

Kids and teenagers are more susceptible to this condition because their teeth are still growing. Excess fluoride calcifies developing teeth, resulting in discoloration.

While the effects of fluorosis are mostly cosmetic, it can be damaging to dental health in rare cases. It can also lead to an increased risk of fractures and secondary complications, such as visible changes in tooth appearance that persist into adulthood.

3. Fluoride May Weaken Bones

While experts agree that fluoride builds bone and increases bone density, there’s more to the story.

A growing body of research shows that bone quality reduces with increasing fluoride content. So, even though fluoride contributes to building bone, the new bone is weaker and more susceptible to fractures.

Too much fluoride may also lead to a condition called skeletal fluorosis. This occurs when excess fluoride accumulates in the bones. Bones affected by this condition are weaker and prone to fractures.

4. Fluoride Exposure May Lead to Reduced IQ in Kids

Human studies have shown that exposure to fluoride during childhood is associated with reduced IQ scores. In addition, kids exposed to fluoride during pregnancy have lower IQ scores than those that were not exposed.

This may be due to the fact that fluoride is neurotoxic. Neurotoxins are substances that damage the nerves and the brain. Since children’s brains are still developing, they are at a greater risk of experiencing fluoride neurotoxicity. In addition, kids are at risk of toxic fluoride accumulation because it’s more common for them to accidentally swallow toothpaste.

Tip: We advise you to use a safe, fluoride-free toothpaste for kids. SPLAT strawberry taste is a great alternative.

Foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), present in most fluoride toothpaste, may also cause neurotoxicity. SLS also causes dry skin, irritation, and allergic reactions inside the mouth and on the lips. Be sure to check and familiarize yourself with the ingredients in your toothpaste, as they may be harmful.

A good toothpaste is fluoride- and SLS-free. Other toxic substances to look out for include hydrated silica, peroxide, triclosan, dyes, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners.

5. Fluoride May Disrupt Thyroid Function

The thyroid gland is a small organ located in front of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones, which regulate your body’s metabolic rate.

Research has shown that fluoride disrupts the production of thyroid hormones. This may lead to a condition called hypothyroidism, which affects how the cells in the body processes energy, leading to several health problems. In 2012, British scientists reported higher levels of hypothyroidism in areas where water was fluoridated compared to non-fluoridated areas.

Nano Hydroxyapatite: The Healthier Alternative to Fluoride

With all the health effects of fluoride in mind, you might want to consider ditching your fluoride toothpaste for something healthier. So, what’s the best fluoride-free toothpaste for your oral health?

Nano hydroxyapatite (nano HAp) stands out as an excellent alternative to fluoride. Nano HAp is the man-made form of a compound called hydroxyapatite (HA).

HA is the most abundant compound in teeth. It’s composed of calcium and phosphate ions. It makes up 97% of teeth enamel (outer layer of teeth) and 70% of dentin (second layer of teeth).

Toothpastes that contain nano HAp, such as Karmicare, can protect and even improve the health and quality of your teeth, without the unwanted effects of fluoride.

Tip: 3-year-olds can use 1 pump of Karmicare, and toddlers through 6-year-olds can use it as a regular toothpaste. Karmicare is safe to swallow. Parents, you can brush worry-free together with your kids 😊

Nano HAp is superior to fluoride in tooth remineralization because it remineralizes teeth from within. In effect, it contributes to structural integrity since it’s a natural component of teeth.

Nano HAp holds many other valuable benefits for your teeth, such as:

• Decreased tooth sensitivity: 1 in 8 adults complain about sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are hard to floss or brush, especially if you don’t have the right toothbrush. Teeth become sensitive when the enamel wears out and the nerves are exposed. Nano HAp reduces sensitivity by strengthening the enamel. Nano HAp is also effective in reducing sensitivity after teeth whitening.
• Teeth whitening: Nano HAp whitens teeth by adding native minerals to the surface. According to the American Dental Association, overuse of whiteners can damage the gums and enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity. Nano HAp is the safer, natural alternative to chemical teeth whiteners like baking soda. Also, with nano HAp, you’ll no longer need to experiment on your own with messy activated charcoal or essential oils such as peppermint or spearmint, all of which are ineffective DIY teeth whiteners. (Although, we do love to use charcoal in dental flossand even in our Evening Charcoal Toothbrush, because it does have whitening benefits. Karmicare uses a medical charcoal version which is not abrasive compared to the normal coconut and bamboo charcoal.)
• Protects enamel from acid overexposure: Foods like citrus and lemons contain acids that react with and gradually strip away the enamel. Some mouthwashes are also acidic and may destroy enamel. This is known as tooth erosion and can result in cavities or tooth sensitivity. Nano HAp forms a layer on the surface of teeth, which protects against harmful acid attacks.
• Refills small lesions and new forming cariës.
• Smooths the enamel (first layer) and dentin (second layer), making the teeth stronger.
• Safe for children and pregnant women: Kids and pregnant women are more susceptible to the effects of fluoride. Nano HAp ensures that they don’t get exposed to the health risks of using fluoride.

Get (dental) health and wellness knowledge and improve your life.

Most standard toothpastes contain fluoride. Fluoride is usually added to toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and formation of cavities. However, while fluoride-containing toothpastes are known to have these benefits, they also come with many risks.

From weakening your bones to affecting your sleep quality, fluoride in toothpaste has far-reaching health effects. Luckily, you don’t have to rely on fluoride to take care of your dental health.

Nano HAp is a superior and safe alternative to fluoride. Nano HAp will not only brighten your pearly whites but it will also strengthen your teeth and reduce sensitivity.

Switch to a teeth whitening fluoride-free toothpaste like Karmicare to enjoy all the superior benefits of nano HAp without worrying about other aspects of your health.

Apart from nano HAp, Karmicare contains other healthy natural ingredients. Xylitol prevents cavity-causing bacteria from thriving and coconut water keeps your mouth hydrated.

With Karmicare, it’s a win-win — you can freshen your breath and take care of your teeth without risking your health. When it comes to personal care, Karmicare is the best natural toothpaste that guarantees you the quality you deserve.