Fluoride facts and supporting scientific evidence

To reduce the risk of caries (tooth decay), the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends focusing on  good oral hygiene, diet, and professional dental care. This includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and seeing a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

The use of topical fluoride in appropriate and recommended forms and with appropriate dosages is considered safe.^1,2 We carefully formulate all Colgate products to conform to legal and regulatory requirements in all markets where they are sold. Fluoride is in our oral care products because it's safe, and proven to help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. You only need a small amount of fluoride in both toothpaste and mouthwash to get its many benefits.

Over the counter topical fluoride products are formulated with specific concentrations of fluoride that are deemed safe for daily use.³ Higher fluoride concentrations in toothpastes, gels, and varnishes prescribed or applied professionally, are also safe and beneficial when used appropriately.² Extensive research and many clinical studies have demonstrated the e cacy and assessed the risks and established the safety of topical fluoride. Source: www.aadocr.org/science-policy/topical-fluoride-position-statement

Fluoride is a mineral that is found in all natural water sources.1 Fluoride is the ionic form of the trace element fluorine. Fluorine is commonly found in the environment, and reaches water sources by leaching from soil and rocks into groundwater.

Systemic fluorides: Fluoride at an optimal preventative level may be present in drinking water to help strengthen teeth. According to the ADA there is substantial evidence to show that if water fluoridation ceases dental disease increases. Source: https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/community-water-fluoridation-prevents-painful-dental-disease

Topical fluorides: Fluoride in toothpastes and mouth rinses helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel and remineralizing early decay. While these products are e ective, higher-strength fluoride gels and varnishes can also be used, especially for high-risk individuals, and are professionally applied. The American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and World Health Organization (WHO) have reviewed the extensive clinical research on fluoride and its e ectiveness in preventing caries, and the appropriate dosages are carefully regulated to balance risk and benefit.

Fluoride helps repair and prevent damage to teeth caused by bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria in the mouth  produce acid when a person eats or drinks food that contains sugar. The acid dissolves minerals in a  tooth’s surface, making the tooth weaker and open to cavities.⁴

Fluoride dental products are e ective in preventing cavities in people of all ages. They are regulated as  drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are safe and e ective when used as directed. 

Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter and occurs naturally in varying amounts in water sources such as rivers,  lakes and even the oceans. Fluoride is naturally present to some extent in certain foods and beverages but  the levels vary widely. To help protect teeth from cavities, fluoride is also added to some dental products  such as toothpaste. 

Source: https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/fluoride-in-water/fluoridation-faqs

All Colgate products that contain fluoride are extensively tested and are safe when used as directed.  They are only brought to market when they’re compliant with legal and regulatory requirements. We  continuously monitor and evaluate the safety of our ingredients and actively engage with outside experts  and resources to stay up to date on all emerging science and to deepen our knowledge. We are aware of  conflicting information about fluoride, especially about fluoridated water, have reviewed the evidence  cited, and have found that it does not support a conclusion that fluoride is a neurotoxin when used as  directed in oral care products.

A product earns the ADA Seal of Acceptance for Cavity Prevention by submitting clinical studies that  demonstrate the safety and e cacy of the fluoride toothpaste for caries prevention. 

Source: www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/toothpastes

References:
1. American Dental Association. (2023). Fluoride: Topical and Systemic Supplements. Retrieved from: https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements. Accessed on September 16,2024
2. Kanduti D, Sterbenk P, Artnik B. (2016). Fluoride: A Review of Use and Effects on Health. Mater Sociomed. 28(2):133-7.
3. Marinho VC, Worthington HV, Walsh T, Clarkson JE. (2013). Fluoride Varnishes for Preventing Dental Caries in Children and Adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013(7):CD002279
4. Featherstone JD. Prevention and reversal of dental caries: role of low level fluoride. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 1999;27(1):31–40

The ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry and a panel of experts convened by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs developed clinical recommendations for use of professionally applied or prescription-strength.

The Panel also determined that patients at low risk of developing caries may receive additional benefit from application of topical fluorides beyond that achieved from their daily use of over-the-counter fluoridated toothpaste and consumption of fluoridated water.

Source: www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements

The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes fluoride toothpaste as a key strategy for dental caries prevention. The WHO recommends using high-fluoride toothpaste (2800ppm or 5000ppm) for individuals at high risk of caries, root dentine caries, or in supervised community settings. These high-fluoride toothpastes are often regulated as drugs and require a prescription.

Source:cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/essential-medicines/2021-eml-expert-committee/applicationsfor-addition-of-new-medicines/a.14_fluoride-toothpaste.pdf

Is prescription strength toothpaste suitable for children?

Yes, 5000 ppm toothpaste is indicated for children 6 years and older that are at high risk of caries. Supervised use for children under age 12 is recommended to prevent swallowing. Please see the Prescribing Information for more information.

Can patients use prescription strength fluoride toothpaste if their tap water is fluoridated?

Yes, because fluoride in toothpaste should not cause fluorosis with appropriate topical use when used as directed.

Source: www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements

The ADA recommends 2.26% fluoride varnish (22,600 ppm), which contains 2.26% fluoride ionand 5.0% sodium fluoride.

https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science/evidence-based-dental-research/topical-fluoride-clinical-practice-guideline

The ADA recommends 0.09% fluoride mouthrinse for caries prevention in patients at elevated risk (for patients 6 years or older).

Source: www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/caries-risk-assessment-and-management

Mouth rinses provide a lower concentration of fluoride exposure compared with gels and varnishes. Prescription mouth rinses may be prescribed for those at high risk of tooth decay.

Source: www.aadocr.org/science-policy/topical-fluoride-position-statement

References:

1. Centers for Disease and Prevention. Other Fluoride Products. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed June 14, 2023.