Alternatives to Fluoride Mouthwash

Fluoride is the number one ingredient in most of your oral care products, including your mouthwash. However, research in oral health care has come across certain health risks associated with the use of fluoride. Most of these findings agree that when ingested over long periods of time, fluoride can be toxic to the body. Consequently, too much fluoride exposure can lead to complications with the endocrine system, especially in children or adolescents as it regulates hormone release. Furthermore, some research has even suggested that overuse of fluoride can impair cognitive function and development.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean without using a fluoride mouthwash. Check some of them out below.

Oil Pulling

For thousands of years, societies have been using natural oils to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. Coconut oil is considered the best natural oil to use, as it not only rinses the mouth of waste and debris that get stuck between teeth, it can also kill the harmful bacteria that cause plaque and contributes to gingivitis. If you’re not familiar with the process, oil pulling simply involves putting a teaspoon of oil in your mouth and swishing it around—pulling it between your teeth—for at least 2 minutes.

Neem and Turmeric Mouthwashes

Neem extract comes from a tree native to India, and studies have found that it has anti-inflammatory properties. This is exceptionally important for people with swollen gums, which is a symptom of gum disease. If you suffer from inflamed gums, then you can reduce your risk of gingivitis when you take steps to reduce the swelling in your gums. Furthermore, neem can also prevent gum disease with its antibacterial properties, meaning it can kill harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Turmeric, native to North Africa and the Middle East, has similar anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as Neem. Furthermore, also increases saliva production, which promotes natural prevention against cavities, inflammation, and infection.

CAMBRA risk assessment

Perform a caries risk assessment on yourself or your children. A number of risk factors lead to dental decay and has evidence-based support: bad or too much plaque, inadequate saliva flow, frequent exposure to acidic drinks and sugars, and poor hygiene. There are a number of ‘protective factors’ that a patient can choose to correct this oral imbalance, one of the most important, is to raise oral pH!

THE MAGIC FORMULA: Prolonged low pH in the mouth=death of healthy bacteria/overgrowth of cavity-causing bacteria=caries infection=CAVITIES.

Alka-White Alkaline Mouthwash Tablets

We looked at the non-fluoride mouthwash alternatives out there and decided to create a product that checked all the boxes. Our alkaline mouthwash tablets have coconut oil, peppermint or turmeric oil, xylitol, and baking soda as the key ingredients. The combination of these ingredients are perfect for keeping your breath fresh, teeth strong, and your smile healthy. As another key feature, we made it in tablet form so it was easy for travel and at home. Start preventing cavities without fluoride today!

Additional Sources:

https://nittygrittylife.com/myrrh-oral-health-herbal-mouthwash/

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/fluoride-childrens-health-grandjean-choi/