Fluoride toothpaste

is a toothpaste enriched with fluoride, a mineral found in the skeleton and enamel of the teeth.

(first of all caries), slowing down the destruction of dental enamel and at the same time encouraging its remineralization.

Penetrating into the most superficial layers of the enamel, fluorine binds to calcium ions which make up hydroxyapatite, one of the main mineral constituents of bones and teeth; in this way, fluoride makes the dental enamel stronger and resistant to flaking caused by acids. of bacterial plaque.

To learn more: Children's Toothpaste: the 5 Best according to Amazon Reviews and devitalization required to treat tooth decay have significantly decreased. This change appears to be justified in the regular use of fluoride-enriched toothpastes.

Data in hand, an adequate and constant use of toothpastes with fluoride added reduces the formation of caries by 33.3% (compared to a "placebo" toothpaste without fluoride).

ATTENTION!

The fluoride toothpaste intervenes effectively in the prophylaxis of caries only if used regularly and adequately.
There is no point in using fluoride toothpaste when daily dental cleaning is done quickly, even worse if the teeth are brushed horizontally or towards the gum.
To make the most of the effectiveness of a toothpaste, it is essential to pay particular attention to the use of the other basic tools of dental hygiene, namely brush, dental floss (or brush) and mouthwash.

(NaF): probably the most common source of fluoride in toothpastes;

Stannous fluoride (SnF₂): seems to be the most effective fluorine salt in reducing the incidence of cariogenic processes and in controlling gingivitis;

Sodium monofluorophosphate (Na₂PO₃F);

Amine fluoride.

, in order to inform the consumer about the quality of the product.

Often, however, on the label, the quantity of added mineral is reported only as a percentage: how is it possible to convert a percentage value into ppm?
The following table can clarify the concept.

Type of fluoride salt contained in toothpaste

Percentage present in toothpaste Corresponding quantity expressed in ppm Sodium fluoride 0,32% 1500 ppm 0,22% 1000 ppm 0,11% 500 ppm Sodium monofluorophosphate 1,14% 1500 ppm 0,76% 1000 ppm 0,38% 500 ppm

The European Union has banned the placing on the market of toothpastes containing more than 1500 ppm of fluoride.

Good quality toothpastes must contain the right concentration of fluoride, which must not be excessive, but not too low.

Most fluoride toothpastes contain between 1,000 and 1,100 ppm of fluoride.

Did you know that ...

In the United Kingdom, the content of fluorine salts in toothpaste is generally higher (1,450 ppm), compared to that which characterizes the products marketed in Italy.

surface from teeth: calcium carbonate, silica gel, aluminum oxides and hydrates, phosphate salts and salicylates;

Salts of fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel: sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride and stannous fluoride;

Humectants such as glycerol, sorbitol and polyethylene glycol;

Flavoring agents for improving the flavor of toothpaste;

Acaryogenic sweeteners such as saccharin, also important for making the aroma of fluoride toothpaste more pleasant.
In the list of anticary sweeteners, xylitol cannot be missing, also indicated to prevent the formation of plaque;

Thickeners to stabilize the toothpaste formulation (mineral colloids, algae, synthetic cellulose);

Sodium sulphate, sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate and other foaming agents;

Some fluoride toothpastes contain antibacterial substances (e.g. triclosan and chlorhexidine), useful for preventing gum inflammation.

while ensuring good protection from caries.
Fluoride toothpastes for sensitive teeth may contain potassium nitrates, zinc citrate, or strontium chloride.

clinical-pathological characterized by alterations in the color of the enamel (the teeth become stained), functional modifications of the enamel which, in the most serious cases, can cause a progressive stiffening of the bones to the point of deforming the skeleton.
Frequent ingestion of fluoride during the first seven years of life risks progressively discolouring permanent teeth.

Considering the risk of overdose and its consequences, the experts have come to a clear conclusion: toothpastes for children (up to the age of 6) must not contain a fluoride concentration higher than 500-600 ppm.

Upon reaching the age indicated above, children can safely brush their teeth with fluoride toothpastes in the concentrations indicated for adults.

Alternatively, if you use standard fluoride toothpastes (1,000 ppm), up to 6 years old, the doses applied to the toothbrush should be minimal, about the size of a pea.

For further information: Fluorosis: the Symptoms