The benefits and harms of fluoride in toothpaste. Blend-a-med with active fluorine

Fluorine is an essential trace element for the human body. It is necessary for the successful operation of almost all organs and systems. Including for teeth. But few people are aware of the benefits and harms of fluoride in toothpaste.

The role of fluorine in the human body

Everyone knows about the existence of fluorine from the school bench. After all, this is one of the elements of the periodic table. In many sources, it is denoted by the letter F, as in the table. Pure fluorine is a gas that is poisonous and corrosive to the human body. But in all products, toothpaste, the element is contained in the form of salts - sodium fluoride and calcium fluoride. Then it, on the contrary, benefits the body.

Important! The useful properties of the element are revealed when it is in the body strictly in the required amount. Its excess, as well as its deficiency, only brings harm.

The benefits of the trace element fluorine for the human body are extremely high. It is essential for normal bone mineralization. The substance gives the bones strength, elasticity and elasticity. Under the influence of fluorides, the growth of nails and hair is activated. Other useful properties of the trace element are expressed to a lesser extent, but they have a place to be:

increasing the body's resistance to pathogenic microorganisms;
strengthening immunity;
stimulation of the formation of blood cells in the bone marrow;
cleansing the body of heavy metals.

The benefits of fluoride for teeth

The use of fluoride in toothpaste is to protect teeth from caries, strengthen enamel, and suppress the reproduction of pathogenic microflora. The trace element also prevents the release of calcium from the teeth.

Protects teeth from caries

The enamel of the tooth surface is constantly affected by acids contained in the oral cavity. With prolonged interaction, the crystal lattice of the enamel splits. A cavity is formed, blackening over time. This is how caries develops.

A useful property of fluoride in toothpaste is that it penetrates the crystal lattice of enamel and makes it more resistant to acidic conditions. Moreover, it is effective not only for prevention, but also for the treatment of caries in the early stages. If caries is superficial, does not penetrate deep into the tooth, you can try therapy with fluoride toothpaste. But, most likely, you will have to resort to additional methods of treatment.

Prevents decalcification

The undoubted benefit of fluorides for bone tissue and teeth is the mobilization of calcium in them. The microelement promotes the transition of ions from the blood to the tissues of the body. This process is called remyelination. Saliva produced during meals, on the contrary, contributes to demyelination, or decalcification.

When entering the body, calcium and phosphorus ions are integrated into the crystal lattice of enamel in a larger amount than usual. This prevents them from dissolving during the production of saliva. Thus, phosphorus protects teeth from decalcification.

Strengthens enamel

The main component of enamel is calcium hydroxyapatite. The fluorine contained in the toothpaste comes into contact with the crystal lattice of this salt. A new compound, fluorohydroxyapatite, is formed. That is, the trace element replaces calcium. The new formation is more durable and resistant to oral acids.

Prevents the growth of pathogenic microflora

Another beneficial effect of fluoride on teeth is the inhibition of the growth of pathogenic microorganisms contained in dental plaque. In the course of their life, bacteria secrete special enzymes necessary for the breakdown of carbohydrates and their absorption. Fluoride can interfere with the production of these enzymes. Thus, the growth of pathogenic microflora is suspended.

Prevents the formation of lactic acid

The micronutrient's ability to prevent lactic acid synthesis comes from its ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Microorganisms during growth and reproduction produce lactic acid. This substance adversely affects the structure of tooth enamel. Preventing the formation of lactic acid, fluoride protects the enamel.

Varieties of toothpastes with fluoride compounds

Pastes with fluorides belong to the group of therapeutic and prophylactic hygiene products. Depending on which salt is present in the composition, the following fluorine-containing pastes are distinguished:

with aminofluoride;
sodium fluoride;
sodium monofluorophosphate;
tin fluoride.

Fluoride in children's toothpaste

When choosing a cleaning product for a child, it is necessary to correctly assess the possible harm and benefits of fluoride in toothpaste. Young children swallow 60% or more of toothpaste while brushing their teeth. And an excess of a microelement has great harm to the body. The World Health Organization has established that children are recommended to use hygiene products with a fluoride content of no more than 1500 ppm.

A useful property of toothpastes with fluoride is an effective prevention of caries in children. But they should be used in short courses only when indicated.

Important! Before you start brushing your child's teeth with fluoride, you should consult with a pediatrician about the appropriateness and timing of treatment.

Harm of toothpaste with fluoride

The danger of fluoride in toothpaste manifests itself with an excess of trace elements. This condition is called fluorosis. With excessive intake of a substance in the body, it is slowly excreted. Most of the fluoride is deposited in bone tissue and teeth. Not so long ago, scientists discovered that they also accumulate in the structures of the central nervous system. The pineal gland suffers the most.

The first manifestations of fluorosis appear on the teeth, namely their buccal surface. Most often, the incisors of the upper jaw are affected, less often - the lower. With a further increase in the concentration of fluoride in the body, the rest of the teeth are affected. Tooth enamel wears off, cracks and erosion appear on it.

What foods contain fluoride

Fluorine is most beneficial to people who have a deficiency of this trace element. This population group is advised to consume fluoride-rich foods and drink bottled water. Below is a table of the most saturated elements of products and the concentration of fluorine in them.

Sufficient trace element content in green tea, parsley. Rich in them and seafood in addition to fish:

shrimps;
mussels;
seaweed.

Endemic regions of the country are distinguished separately. In such areas, the natural content of fluorine is insufficient. Therefore, people suffer from a chronic deficiency of the element. In this case, food and water are specially enriched with fluorine, that is, fluoridated.

Symptoms of fluoride poisoning

Fluorine is a very insidious trace element. With the right dosage, it brings a lot of benefits to the body. But even the smallest overdose has great harm.

Depending on the manifestations of fluorosis, several of its forms are distinguished:

dashed;
spotted;
chalky-speckled;
erosive;
destructive.

The dashed variety of an excess of fluorine is characterized by the appearance of stripes and strokes of various shapes on the incisors. Most often they can be seen after drying the teeth. In severe streak fluorosis, the bands are more visible. Sometimes individual strokes merge, forming spots. But on closer examination, the bands can be differentiated in the spots.

The spotted form, according to the name, is characterized by the formation of small light spots. They can merge, forming one large spot. The stripe is not visible.

With a chalky-speckled form, the teeth acquire a matte, sometimes yellowish, tint. On the enamel surface there are many spots and dots with clear boundaries. This is one of the most unfavorable forms of fluorosis. Enamel wears off quickly. Brown dentin begins to bulge outward.

In the erosive form, the enamel is damaged with the formation of many specks. The chewing surface of the teeth suffers the most. Destructive fluorosis is the most severe. The tooth is very fragile, with the slightest pressure it is destroyed.

In addition to dental tissue, the skeleton suffers from fluoride poisoning. Osteoporosis develops (softening of the bones with leaching of calcium from them), the function of the joints is disturbed until they are completely immobilized (ankylosis). In advanced cases, liver function is damaged.

How to remove fluoride from the body

There are several simple remedies that will help remove excess fluoride from the body. But these methods are effective only for mild fluorosis. Therefore, intoxication must be diagnosed as early as possible.

Before applying any method, you should completely stop the contact of the body with the microelement: give up fluorinated foods and water, stop brushing your teeth with fluoride paste. The main methods that can remove a substance from the body include:

Iodine - increases the excretion of the element along with urine. The concentration of iodine is high in such products: lingonberries, strawberries, potatoes, beans.
Boron - acts similarly to iodine. It is found in dates, honey, nuts, broccoli, avocados, prunes.
Selenium is able to block the activity of fluoride in the body. It is obtained by eating Brazil nuts.
Dry saunas. Although this method may seem strange, intense sweating helps to eliminate toxic substances from the body. The main thing before taking a sauna is to make sure that the body is sufficiently hydrated to avoid dehydration.

How to choose toothpaste

In order for brushing your teeth to bring only benefits, you need to responsibly approach the choice of toothpaste. It is best to consult a dentist. The specialist will assess the health of the teeth and choose the paste of the desired direction. All toothpastes are divided into 3 types:

Hygienic - created only for cleaning teeth from plaque and flavoring the oral cavity.
Therapeutic - contain special additives that interact with a specific pathological process of the teeth or oral cavity (antifungal, antibacterial).
Treatment and prophylactic- prevent the development of diseases of the dental tissue and periodontium.

Depending on the desired effect and the condition of the teeth, the patient, together with the dentist, chooses the necessary type of hygiene product.

Best fluoride toothpastes

There are many companies that make fluoride toothpaste. The most popular manufacturers are:

Paradontax;
Colgate;
Blendamed;
Sensodin.

Paradontax with fluoride

The manufacturer of Paradontax with fluoride claims that the benefit of this paste is to treat gums, eliminate bleeding. It also removes plaque and is an effective prevention of caries. Customer reviews confirm this statement. They note that after a week of regular brushing with paste 2 times a day, bleeding disappears, and the teeth become whiter.

Colgate caries protection

Colgate is one of the most popular brands of toothpaste. It produces, among other things, hygiene products containing fluorine. This paste has beneficial properties for people with caries in the initial stages. It effectively cleans the enamel from small black dots.

Blendamed with active fluorine

Blendamed with active fluorine is the best paste in terms of price and quality. The low cost of a hygiene product does not negate its useful properties. There will be no snow-white Hollywood smile after using the paste, but it is effective in removing yellow plaque.

Sensodin with fluorine

A useful property of Sensodyne toothpaste with fluoride is a decrease in tooth sensitivity throughout the day. In addition, its regular use prevents the development of caries. These effects are possible due to the content of sodium fluoride.

How to brush your teeth properly

To get the maximum benefit and minimum harm from fluoride for your teeth, you must follow a few rules:

rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth not very intensively;
actively massage areas of enamel affected by caries;
before going to bed, apply a paste on the damaged enamel, since at night it is possible to reduce salivation.

Dentists have proposed a technique that optimizes the effect of fluoride on the dentition:

The minimum amount of toothpaste corresponding to the size of a pea is squeezed onto the toothbrush.
Before cleaning, the paste is smeared over the surface of the enamel.
Do not spit out the paste during brushing.
The teeth are rinsed for one minute after brushing.
An hour after the procedure avoid eating and do not drink water.

How to choose a brush

When choosing a brush, you must consider the health of the gums and teeth. This will help determine the stiffness of the bristles. The bristle of medium hardness is considered to have the greatest number of useful properties and the most versatile. People with sensitive gums should prefer softer options.

The handle of the brush should be long so that you can adjust the degree of pressure on the teeth. The most convenient options with a movable head.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of fluoride in toothpaste largely depend on the amount of trace element in the body. At optimal concentrations, it has many beneficial effects. But even a slight overdose is harmful. Therefore, if the slightest signs of fluoride intoxication appear, you should immediately consult a doctor!

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The life of a modern person is full of myths that are convenient for manufacturers of goods. Misleading people with half-truths has become the order of the day. One of these "stumbling blocks" is fluoride, which is part of toothpaste, and discussions about its benefits and harms.

Companies that produce fluoride pastes talk about them as a panacea. Their opponents claim that in large quantities, the element is life-threatening. The consumer, on the other hand, needs to take an unbiased and competent look at the situation and draw appropriate conclusions for himself.

Effect of fluoride on human teeth

In 1990, students at the University of California set up a social experiment. They spread alarming information that the water was contaminated with dihydrogen monoxide. Their statement produced a "bombshell" effect among the public.

In fact, dihydrogen monoxide is one of the chemical names for ordinary water (formula H₂O). A playful but very illustrative experience showed how gullible people who are ignorant of science can be, and how the lack of elementary knowledge leads to an increase in panic. Thanks to the experiment, the term "Zonerism" appeared, when facts are used to lead to false conclusions. It is also used by toothpaste manufacturers.

Ardent opponents appeal by the fact that in nature fluorine in its pure form is a poisonous gas. But in the composition of hygiene products for the oral cavity, it is introduced in the form of fluoride compounds with completely different properties.

It is worth agreeing that in large quantities fluorine is really harmful. But to paraphrase the words of Paracelsus, we can safely say that "all medicine and all poison, the difference is only in quantity." And in order to “accumulate” an element in a dangerous concentration, it must be swallowed. It is unlikely that someone does this with toothpaste.

That is why, before making a conclusion about the benefits and harms of toothpaste with fluoride in its composition, it is necessary to find out what fluoride is really good or bad for.

Useful fluorine

The positive effect of fluoride on teeth was discovered more than 100 years ago, and already in 1914, the Americans launched the production of fluorinated toothpastes. The anti-carious effect of the element has been proven by numerous studies. Its beneficial effect is expressed in an increase in the resistance of enamel to destruction from the waste products of microorganisms living in the oral cavity by 35–40%. Fluorine in various compounds is still used in toothpastes, and is this not an indicator that it is necessary for dental health.

The main quality of fluorine, due to which it is needed and used in toothpaste, is its anti-caries ability. It is characterized by the following features:

Enamel strengthening. Fluorine, dissolved in various salts, reacts with saliva to release free ions. Which, in turn, react with calcium compounds. By binding, they turn into a strong and resistant to microorganisms element fluorapatite. It is he who is engaged in “patching” the damaged areas of enamel. The process is called remineralization. Pastes with fluorine are better than others in slowing down the rate of development of caries.
bactericidal action. Fluorine, being a natural antiseptic, has an antibacterial effect on all types of cariogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity.
Fight against dental deposits. After using fluoride pastes, food remains do not stick to the walls of the teeth, and accordingly, the formation of stones does not occur.
Strengthening the remineralization capacity of saliva. Active salivation is very important for saturation of the enamel with calcium and fluoride minerals. Pastes increase the working activity of the salivary glands, which compensates for the process of demineralization.
Participation in exchange processes. The use of fluorine in microdoses is useful for improving metabolism. This phenomenon is important for women during pregnancy, as it contributes to the full formation of the fetus.

Despite the fact that the element has a large number of positive qualities, it is worth noting its disadvantages.

Harmful fluorine

In large quantities, fluoride can be not only harmful, but also hazardous to health. It is distinguished by its insidious quality to accumulate in the body, but it is almost impossible to remove it. In case of oversaturation, it will spread its toxicity to the body and poison it.

The element affects the appearance of joint mobility and the appearance of bone fragility. A complete list of what fluoride is dangerous for, including in the composition of toothpaste, for an adult, looks like this:

Fluoride in toothpaste can be harmful, even if it contains a minimal amount. It can simply become the “last straw” with an excess of the element in the body, and then a negative impact on all life support systems cannot be avoided.

Fluoride compounds in toothpastes

To figure out if fluorine is useful in toothpastes, you need to find out what its quantitative content is, and what kind of compound it is represented by. Since in its pure form it is a gaseous substance, it is introduced into the composition of the paste in the form of soluble salts. The difference between them is obvious, therefore the influence is not the same.

Sodium fluoride in toothpaste decomposes into ions in the shortest possible time, releasing active fluorine. The substance has a high remineralizing ability, which directly affects the increase in the anti-caries effect. Sodium fluoride is preferred for making children's toothpastes. Since babies do not want to spend a lot of time on oral hygiene, the result should appear in a short period of time, which is what the paste with this compound provides.

Sodium monofluorophosphate salts in toothpaste dissociate into ions rather slowly. You will have to brush your teeth with such a paste for at least three minutes, which in principle is not critical, but is completely unsuitable for children. To use the paste with monofluorophosphate, you need an adult patient person.

Aminofluoride in toothpaste has another name - olaflur. This fluorine compound is by far the most progressive. Paste with aminofluoride has the highest remineralizing property and, in addition to providing an anti-caries effect, creates a kind of protective film on the tooth enamel, as if sealing it. Aminofluoride allows the process of saturation with minerals to last as long as possible.

The stannous fluoride compound has been heavily used in toothpaste since the beginning. Salt has a high remineralizing ability, which is its positive quality. The negative properties of tin fluoride are manifested in the fact that the compound whitens tooth enamel unevenly, brightening some of its areas more strongly. And over time, they, paradoxically, begin to darken. Most companies have phased out the use of stannous fluoride, replacing it with monofluorophosphate or other salts.

In addition to the above salts, dental cosmetics may include Sodium Monofluorophosphate, surfactants or SLS, saccharin, cocamidopropyl betaine, chlorhexine, and much more.

Fluoride Toothpastes for Children

Conscious parents strive to control the fluoride content in their children's toothpastes. Someone, believing that at a “tender” age it is both harmful and dangerous, replaces it with a product with calcium. Others, realizing that it is useful for the good condition of tooth enamel, seek to limit its impact by choosing products with a regulated fluoride content.

Manufacturers adhere to the following standards for the ratio of age and fluoride content in the paste:

1–4 years - up to 200 ppm fluoride;
4–8 years - up to 500 ppm fluoride;
8 years and older (also for adults) - up to 1400 ppm fluoride.

There is a clear trend that the older the child, the more fluoride-rich toothpaste they can use. This happens because the older the baby, the less likely he is to swallow this tasty substance.

The best cosmetics for brushing teeth is the one that suits the child both by age and by solving a specific problem. If the teeth are susceptible to caries, then a fluoride-containing paste is indispensable, and in the case of a normal state of the teeth, calcium can be preferred.

The ratio of benefits and harms of fluoride for the teeth of young children is ambiguous, so you should contact your dentist for advice on this issue.

Where else is fluoride found?

When a person thinks about how the fluoride contained in the paste affects the teeth, we can say that he is "digging in the wrong place." People get the largest amount of the mineral from tap water, but in some areas there is a shortage of fluoride, for example, in Moscow.

Many people think that if there is little fluoride in the water, then the only way to replenish the supply is by using a fluoride-containing paste. But the excitement is in vain, since the mineral is found in a large number of ordinary products:

marine and freshwater fish;
seafood;
all types of tea;
apples;
grapefruits;
spinach;
potato;
pumpkin;
offal (liver);
dairy;
cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal);
cereals (rice);

What is fluoride in toothpaste?

Those who wonder why fluoride is in toothpaste, if the required amount can be obtained by organizing a full-fledged diet, can hear the following answer from a dentist: the difference is in the way and place of fluoride activation in the body. You can eat as many apples as you like, but this will not save you from caries. And brushing your teeth will not benefit the bones of the skeleton. Both the first and second options are useful, but each is used for a specific purpose and in moderation.

Instead of assessing the harm of toothpaste on the body and chasing pseudo-naturalness, it is better to fully and competently organize oral hygiene. A few tips:

hygiene procedures should be carried out regularly;
children are taught to brush their teeth as early as possible, at first without toothpaste;
cleaning with soda is permissible no more than 1 time per week;
rinsing the mouth with elixirs, using dental floss is an excellent prevention of caries, periodontitis and tartar deposits;
the toothbrush is changed at least once a year;
You need to brush your teeth 2 times a day - in the morning and at night.

The decision about which toothpaste is better - with or without fluoride - everyone makes for himself. Still, it would be useful to consult with your dentist about this.

Fluorine in its pure form is a yellowish gas with a characteristic pungent odor. It is poisonous, so it should be used with extreme caution in domestic conditions. Among all the elements of the periodic table, it is one of the most chemically active. Compounds of fluorine with other substances are called fluorides: there are a huge number of them, so their areas of application are also very extensive. This includes dentistry. The first fluoride-containing pastes appeared in the early twentieth century, and in the late 1940s, an experimental water fluoridation program began in the United States, which brought mostly positive results in the fight against caries. After some time, several dental associations of the leading countries of the world recognized fluoridated toothpastes as an effective preventive measure. At the same time, the number of opponents of fluorides also increased, among which were well-known specialists.

Attention!

Fluorides are used in toothpastes and other oral care products, not fluoride itself.

Why argue about the benefits and harms of fluoride?

The main cause of controversy is the properties of fluorine and compounds based on it. Let's start with the fact that without a minimum amount of this substance in the body, the normal development of not only teeth, but also nails, hair and bones of the skeleton as a whole is impossible. Fluoride is found in most foods and even the earth's crust, so we get some of it anyway. Most experts and scientists agree that for an adult, the daily norm of fluoride should be 3-5 mg, and for children - from 0.5 to 2 mg (depending on age). Deficiency leads to accelerated demineralization of enamel and the formation of caries, osteoporosis and other problems that go far beyond the oral cavity.

On the other hand, a few grams of fluorine in its pure form are considered fatal to humans, and a regular overdose can cause problems with bones and joints, liver, heart, respiratory system and provoke a number of diseases. Most dentist patients are interested in the harm of fluoride to teeth when using special toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water. It so happened that it is they who most often become the subject of the most fierce disputes and the basis for the emergence of myths and prejudices.

Fluorides in food

The benefits and harms of fluoride in the paste

It must be understood that fluorine in this case is a generalized concept. For example, toothpaste does not contain fluorine itself in its primary state, but compounds based on it. Most often, it contains the following types of fluorides:

Sodium monofluorophosphate- practically absent in modern pastes due to the slow release of fluoride ions.

sodium fluoride- a very popular component, which is characterized by speed and good remineralizing properties. By the way, most opponents of fluoridation talk about the harm of sodium fluoride specifically.

Tin fluoride- another fairly common component used by several large manufacturers of toothpastes.

Aminofluoride- is considered the most modern, effective and expensive variety of fluoride in oral care products.

Talk about the benefits and harms of fluoride in toothpaste has been going on for a long time. However, in reality, many theses are unverified or too exaggerated. Below is a table that indicates the objective positive and negative qualities of fluoridated toothpaste.

Fluoridated toothpaste prevents (partially!) enamel demineralization and caries development. Bacteria in the mouth produce lactic acid, which lowers the pH and “leaches” calcium from tooth enamel, making it vulnerable. Calcium crystals under the influence of fluoride form a strong compound, less susceptible to acids.
Fluorides have antiseptic properties, preventing the growth of bacteria and the formation of plaque, as well as positively affecting the composition and protective properties of saliva.

An excess of fluorine provokes fluorosis - an enamel disease with the appearance of characteristic spots and depressions. The risk of its occurrence is especially high in childhood during the development of milk teeth. At the same time, only fluorinated paste can rarely become the main cause of excess fluoride in the body.
Fluorine can adversely affect the saprophyte (friendly) microflora of the oral cavity. This is one of the modern theses from experts who talk about the dangers of fluoride in toothpaste.

Fluorine in water - the benefits and harms

When we talk about the benefits and harms of fluoride for teeth and the body as a whole, we should not forget about fluoridated water. According to many experts, it is she who is able to most effectively restore the lack of a substance in the body.

On the other hand, fluorine is one of the most difficult elements to remove, and the use of fluoridated water contributes to its accumulation. Modern research suggests that if a liter of water contains more than 1 mg of fluoride, this can potentially be harmful to the body. In past years, especially at the beginning of fluoridation experiments, the dosage could be much more severe, causing some people to have different reactions.

Many opponents of fluoridation argue that in the 1950s, American courts were literally inundated with lawsuits related to fluoride poisoning. Be that as it may, the fact remains that today water fluoridation is carried out in many countries and regions. The harm of fluorine in water is most often said when its increased concentration is detected or when toxic compounds are used, in particular, fluoroaluminates.

The benefits and harms of fluorine for humans: the most radical theses "for" and "against"

PER

AGAINST

Using fluoridated toothpaste is a must for everyone. Not really. With a lack of fluoride, a low oral pH, and weakening of the enamel, a doctor may indeed recommend fluoridated toothpastes. However, in most cases, good hygiene and regular visits to the dentist will be the best prevention.

The required rate of fluoride can only be obtained from fluoridated water. No, fluoride is found in many foods: apples, fish, chicken, dairy products, etc. The amount of fluoride you get can often be controlled by your normal diet.

Initially, the positive properties of fluorine are imposed by interested corporations. The followers of this theory argue that in the middle of the 20th century, large American industrial companies that pollute the land and rivers with fluorine decided to start promoting its benefits by connecting leading doctors and marketers. We all know the power of advertising and propaganda, so there may be some truth in this statement. At the same time, over the next years, a number of independent studies were carried out, which confirmed both the positive properties of fluorides in pastes, and the harm of fluoride for the body during intoxication, which is not used in its pure form in hygiene products.

An excess of fluoride in the body affects almost all organs, including the thyroid and pineal glands. It's true: fluorine is a poison, so the above complications are really possible with intoxication. However, toothpastes use fluoride, not fluoride.

Using fluoridated toothpaste can lead to toxicity. This is a myth, the harm of fluoride in toothpaste for humans is minimal: fluorides are not absorbed by the oral mucosa. To get poisoned, you need to eat several tubes of fluoridated toothpaste.

Sodium fluoride leads to infertility, cognitive decline and premature aging. Some experts say this, but these statements in the scientific community have the status of an alternative opinion.

CURAPROX enzycal 1450

JASON Powersmile Peppermint

Fluoride is found in many toothpastes and is widely used to prevent caries. Scientific studies show that if you brush your teeth regularly with such a paste, then the likelihood of getting cavities is reduced by half. This would be great news if it were not for the heated debate around the topic “Fluorine: benefits and harms?”, which divided people into two camps.

Some believe that fluoride in toothpaste is a poison that can cause serious illness. Others consider such rumors nothing more than a myth. Let's try to understand this issue.

Fluorine: useful component or dangerous poison for teeth

Fluoride is known as a trace mineral that we need for healthy teeth and bones. We have it in bone tissue and tooth enamel, and enters the body along with drinking water and some foods.

Products containing fluoride:

buckwheat, rice;

corn;
mackerel;

veal.

The lack of fluorine in the body leads to the development of caries, anemia and osteoporosis. Although it is needed by a person in very small quantities, this does not make it less significant for health. Fluorine makes teeth stronger, is involved in metabolism and is needed for the absorption of iron.

However, foods are not as effective in preventing cavities as fluoride toothpaste. That is why toothpastes with this mineral have become so popular among manufacturers.

The benefits of fluoride

How does fluoride protect our teeth? To begin with, it is worth mentioning that fluorine in its pure form can cause serious disorders in the human body. Toothpaste uses its safe compounds - fluorides. The world learned about their benefits for dental health at the beginning of the 20th century, and the first fluoride toothpaste appeared in 1914.

Fluorine ions (fluorides) restore tooth enamel, make teeth stronger and less prone to decay and acids. They remineralize damaged areas of the tooth at the stage of early caries, thereby preventing its further development.

Fluoride content in toothpaste ppm (ppm)

All manufacturers must state the amount of fluoride in the paste. For daily use, pastes with a fluorine content of 1450-1650 ppm are considered safe.

For children's teeth, fluoride is no less important. The most important rule when using toothpaste is the ability of the child to spit it out, and not swallow it. If he has already learned this, then you can safely choose a fluoride-containing paste. For children's toothpastes, there are such norms:

up to 4 years - 200 ppm;

from 4 to 8 years - 500 ppm;

from 8 to 14 years old - 1400 ppm.

The harm of fluorine

If there is a lot of fluorine in the body, then this can lead to intoxication, metabolic disorders, damage to the central nervous system, nausea, vomiting and fluorosis.

On the Web you can find a list of other diseases such as autism and cretinism. However, there are no scientific data confirming the effect of fluoride on the occurrence of these diseases.

Most often, people are afraid of the development of fluorosis due to an excess amount of fluoride in the body. It can be congenital (it is formed during the pregnancy of the mother, who must consume 2-2.5 mg/l of fluoride per day) or acquired (at a fluorine production plant).

Food or toothpaste does not contain this amount of fluoride.

In order for fluorine to cause serious harm to the human body, it is necessary to work at an aluminum plant without observing safety precautions. A longer way is to regularly swallow several tubes of fluoride toothpaste a day.

Municipal budgetary educational institution secondary

secondary school p. Pionersky, st. Lenina-13, 4-02-01.

Regional competition of design research works "First Steps".

Nomination: research project.

Topic: "Effect of fluoride on tooth enamel"

Pavlov Mikhail Evgenievich, 9 years old.

Leader: primary school teacher

Akhmatdinova Ilsiyar Raisovna.

2012
Table of contents.

1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………….3-4

Make tooth enamel harder, protect teeth from caries;

Accelerate the blood circulation of the gums, “preventing periodontal disease;

Great for toning your mouth.

4. Research work.

In order to understand how well schoolchildren brush their teeth and what kind of toothpaste they use, we decided to conduct a survey. To do this, we printed questionnaires with the most interesting questions. 3 "B", 4 "B", 2 "C", 3 "A" classes participated in the survey. After processing the results, we came to the conclusion that 76 students answered the questions in this way.

1) How many times a day do you brush your teeth? 1 time per day - 56%, 2 times a day - 40%, do not clean - 4%.

2). How long do you brush your teeth? 3 min.-25%, 2 min.-42%, 1 min.-33%.

3). How often do you change your toothbrushes? Less than 1 time per year - 17%, 1 p. At 3 months - 62%, 1 rub. Per year-21%.

four). How do you visit the dentist? 1 p. At 6 months - 8%, 1 rub. 56% per year, 36% do not attend.

According to the results of the survey, it was clear that students do not pay enough attention to their teeth (Appendix No. 1)

We believe that more information needs to be shared about better protection and preservation of teeth. In this regard, we decided to find out which toothpaste more effectively protects tooth enamel. An experiment was conducted. Before the experiment, we conducted a survey of what kind of toothpastes students of our school use, 32 people were interviewed. Poll results:

Aquafresh - 8 people, Lacalut - 3 people, Colgate - 11 people, Blend-a-med - 10 people.

In container No. 1, we put an egg treated with Colgate paste, No. 2 - Blend-a-med, No. 3 - Aquafresh, No. 4 - Lacalut, added 1% vinegar solution and began to observe. On the second day of the experiment, small cracks appeared on the eggs in containers No. 1, No. 3, and no changes were observed in No. 2 and No. 4. Our photographs show that on the sixth day of the experiment, eggs No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 were deformed and the shell became soft, and no changes were observed in No. 4 either.

Conclusion:

More effective protection of tooth enamel is provided by Lacalut toothpaste. Other toothpastes provide less effective protection.

After the work we had done, we decided to approach the chemistry teacher of our school, Marina Mikhailovna, with a question; “Is it possible to find out by chemical means the amount of fluoride in toothpastes?” Marina Mikhailovna explained that this was possible and appointed us a day for the experiment. We found that by adding silver ions to the solution with toothpaste, the amount of fluoride in toothpastes. The results of the school experiment coincided with the home.

In this connection, we recommend Lacalut toothpaste from all the listed pastes to students of our school.

5. Conclusions.

According to the results of our study, Lacalut toothpaste provides more effective protection of tooth enamel. Other toothpastes provide less effective protection (Aquafresh, Colgate, Blend-a-med). The results of the school experiment coincided with the home. In this connection, we recommend Lacalut toothpaste from all the listed pastes to students of our school. Our hypothesis that fluoride is very useful for teeth was confirmed.

We shot a video clip about the treatment of the tooth to the kids, prepared a presentation on the topic “How to properly care for your teeth and spent class hours in the classes participating in the survey. They also made recommendations (Appendix No. 4) and a guide “How to properly care for your teeth”, 1 copy was donated to the school library

The materials of the project were used at the class hour "How to properly care for your teeth" with a presentation. They can be used in lessons, parent-teacher meetings, offer information to the newspaper.

From the foregoing, we can draw the appropriate conclusions, which indicate that almost all serious manufacturers offer a very wide selection of toothpastes, and the choice is already ours, or rather our financial capabilities, since the variation in prices for products is serious. Therefore, this topic can be extended for many more pages, and all that remains to be said is that after all, more attention should be paid to these issues and then our smile will be healthy.

6. Used literature:

1. L.M. Lukinykh "Tooth decay", 1999, Nizhny Novgorod.

2. I.V. Gaivoronsky "Anatomy of human teeth", 2005, St. Petersburg.

Application No. 1.

Results of a sociological survey and questioning

schoolchildren.