Fluoride Over-Exposure

Fluorine is one of the most prevalent elements on the earth (the 13th most abundant). Fluoride is the simplest anion of fluorine, and it’s commonly found in many sources, such as seafood, black tea, and natural groundwater.

However, in an attempt to protect teeth from damage, fluoride treatments may be recommended too often. As a result, people get exposure to fluoride from multiple sources, including:

  • Diet
  • Drinking water
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Professional fluoride treatments

Although in many cases, the goal is to minimize consumption of fluoride, these overlapping sources mean that people can be exposed to too much fluoride.

Woman rinsing her mouth

Consequences of Too Much Fluoride

As with anything, too much fluoride can be poisonous. People who are exposed to too much fluoride develop a condition known as fluorosis. Some of the effects of fluorosis include:

  • Tooth discoloration and damage
  • Depression
  • Thyroid deficiency
  • Weight gain
  • Glucose intolerance
  • Neurological problems

To avoid these effects, it’s important for people to be aware of their fluoride exposures and try to control them so they receive an optimal fluoride exposure.

Fluoride-Free Alternatives

At Contemporary Dentistry, we work hard to offer fluoride-free alternatives as part of our holistic dentistry practice. Among the fluoride-free treatments we offer are:

There are many different approaches to cavity prevention that can achieve significant reductions in tooth decay without relying heavily on fluoride.

By helping our patients manage their fluoride exposure and exposure to other dietary and treatment-related toxins, we not only help them maintain optimal oral health, we can help them achieve optimal overall health.

Learn More About Holistic Dentistry in Rochester, NY

Visit the Rochester, NY biological dentists to find out how fluoride-free dentistry can improve your oral health. Call Contemporary Dentistry today at (585) 244-3337 to schedule an appointment.