A new fluoride-free toothpaste has proven to be as effective as traditional alternatives in protecting against cavities.
- Some people should avoid consuming fluoride.
- To help them, researchers have successfully tested the effectiveness of a fluoride-free toothpaste.
- Tooth decay is a common disease in children and adults.
New fluoride-free toothpaste proves as effective as traditional alternatives, says a new study.
Toothpaste without fluoride: a natural mineral found in the skeleton
Although the use of fluoride is common and recommended for oral health, the development of alternative products is necessary for certain categories of the population.
In order to make progress in this direction, an international team of scientists looked into toothpastes based on hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral found in the skeleton. Although some hydroxyapatite toothpastes are already available in pharmacies, the researchers wanted to compare these products to those containing fluoride for adults in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, in particular with regard to the quality of protection against cavities.
Hydroxyapatite, a solution for young children or people with allergies
The scientists thus recruited 189 people aged 18 to 45 to participate in an 18-month study, of which 171 went through to the end. Half used hydroxyapatite toothpaste and the other half used fluoride toothpaste. At the end of the trial, they found that almost 90% of patients in both groups had no new cavities, which led them to conclude that hydroxyapatite toothpaste was not “not statistically inferior” fluoride toothpaste.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste could be a useful alternative for young children who tend to swallow too much product when brushing their teeth, adults who are allergic to fluoride, and people who need to avoid it due to medications. medical conditions or certain health problems.
The causes of tooth decay
Tooth decay is a common disease in children and adults. It is caused by bacteria present in dental plaque. This plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars in food and turn them into acids that attack tooth enamel.
Regular tooth brushing is one of the best ways to prevent their occurrence. For good oral health, it is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes.
