Don’t forget to brush your teeth! This phrase used to be my mother’s reminder every night before I went to bed. But I soon realized that just brushing was not enough, so I also floss after each meal and get a professional cleaning twice a year.
Yet what might really surprise you is this: I pay special attention to what I DON’T do for my teeth.
Indeed, when it comes to dental health and your bones, less is more. Because a toxic ingredient is lurking in just about every dental hygiene product. And this chemical can hurt your bones and your overall health. Here’s a hint for you: it’s also in tap water.
If you’ve read the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol – which is part of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program – you’ll know what it is.
Sodium Fluoride: On Smiles and Lies
Sodium fluoride is the dental health “wunderkind”, supposed to reduce cavities in people of all ages, and especially in children. Most dentists will tell you that there is real science behind using fluoride, since studies have shown a increase of as much as 50% in cavity reduction. No wonder most municipalities supplement their water with it. And dental hygiene products manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon.
Yet fluoridated compounds, including sodium fluoride, have been used as the active ingredient for pest control since the end of the 19th century, mainly against cockroaches, ants, and rats.
What could be more telling than this warning printed on each toothpaste tube? It reads as follows:
”Warning: Keep out of the reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.”
What this warning fails to mention is that the mucosal lining of the mouth is extremely efficient at absorbing chemicals. That is why many quick-acting drugs, such as nitroglycerin, are placed under the tongue.
In other words, the mouth is a portal to your bloodstream, and using products that contain fluoride – even without swallowing them – is like leaving your front door wide open to thieves. And fluoride can rob you of both your bone health and your general health. No wonder those who know this conclude that using fluoridated products is…
A Risk not Worth Taking
Fluoride accumulates in the body. In fact, excessive amounts of fluoride can actually harm tooth enamel by causing dental fluorosis manifested as permanent stains on teeth, sometimes causing pain and chewing problems.1
And here’s a sign that the problems associated with fluoride are coming out in the open. The CDC is now advising to reduce fluoride supplementation in water to almost half of the previous levels. In its latest report, the agency acknowledges that two in five children in America exhibit dental fluorosis symptoms.
Further evidence of fluoride’s accumulation in the body is that – as many studies have shown – it actually increases the risk of fractures, and in particular the dreaded hip fractures.2, 3 Plus since fluoride is a chemical, it also acidifies your pH, thus making it even more challenging to maintain an alkaline pH to retain and increase bone density.
But that’s not all; fluoride also disrupts collagen formation – something that obviously contributes to the higher incidence in fractures – and may cause skeletal fluorosis, a condition with symptoms similar to arthritis.4 In the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol you can get your hands on each and every study relating to fluoride, bone health, and your general health.
How to Avoid Fluoride in Dental Hygiene Products
Now that you know that fluoride is absorbed through the mouth, you will most probably be eager to stop using fluoridated dental products, in addition to avoiding tap water,. So don’t get discouraged: it’s a lot easier than you think.
Granted, just about all of the well-known brands, such as Crest, Colgate, Listerine, and others contain fluoride, but quite a few fluoride-free brands are sold in health food stores and in the “green” section of supermarkets.
Besides not having toxic fluoride, my favorite toothpaste has a wide variety of ingredients that have been scientifically shown to improve and prevent gum disease. Aloe vera, CoQ10, and tea tree oil are powerful allies of a healthy mouth. And it’s more than just fluoride free; it also free of sodium lauryl sulfate (a foaming agent that mimics the action of estrogen in the body), artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
Maintain a Healthy Mouth
My dental hygienist Hindy – whom I’ve been going to for 15 years – is amazed at the condition of my gums and teeth. You see, while I was never prone to cavities, before I started on the Osteoporosis Reversal Program my gums were red, swollen, and bleeding easily. I had to get professional cleanings every three months to prevent periodontal problems.
Soon after following the program, my gums did a 180 degree turnaround. So much so that Hindy was stunned. She asked me what had changed, and I told her about the Osteoporosis Reversal Program and how it balances the body and the pH. As it happens, she had also been diagnosed with osteoporosis, so she got on the program right away.
Besides switching to natural and fluoride-free toothpaste, I have recently started using a sonic toothbrush. It not only keeps my teeth clean and bright white, it also massages the gums and gently removes plaque. I’ve had an electric toothbrush for several years, and it is certainly better than a manual toothbrush. But here’s the big difference: sonic toothbrushes generate between 30,000 and 40,000 brush strokes per minute while electric toothbrushes generate between 3,000 and 7,500 per minute. Compare to this manual toothbrushing at about 300 per minute.
Here’s the model I use: Philips Sonicare Essence HX 5351/46 Power Toothbrush
Researchers have shown that a clean mouth, free of inflammation and irritants, may prevent health problems. And if you’ve taken osteoporosis drugs in the past, it’s especially smart to avoid dental problems and gum issues. So stay away from fluoride, brush and floss often, and keep smiling, because you’re on the right track!
References:
1 Pendrys DG, Katz RV., “Risk of enamel fluorosis associated with fluoride supplementation, infant formula and fluoride dentifrice use”, American Journal of Epidemiology, 1989; 130:1199-1208.
2 Sowers M, et al. (1991). A prospective study of bone mineral content and fracture in communities with differential fluoride exposure. American Journal of Epidemiology. 133: 649-660.
3 Cooper C, et al. (1990). Water fluoride concentration and fracture of the proximal femur. J Epidemiol Community Health 44: 17-19.
4 Susheela AK, Sharma YD, “Fluoride poisoning and the effects of collagen biosynthesis of osseous and non-osseous tissue”, Toxicological European Research, 1981; 3 (2): 99-104.
I was just diagnosed with periodontal disease. Which of the two toothpastes mentioned in your article would be a better choice? Do you have any other suggestions that I could avoid scaling and root planing?
Waaay late on this one, but this is for everybody:
Use baking soda & hydrogen peroxide for periodontal disease.
Years ago I read an in-depth article in a DENTAL PROVIDERS magazine about dental practices and cures that dentists don’t recommend because they aren’t money makers for them (or that its too “old school”). It had interviews with various dentists and periodontists, and the peroxide/soda was one thing that was proven and highly recommended. I’ve used it when my gums would get inflamed and I can say it WORKS.
For inflammation pack the soda on the gums and keep it on for as long as you can as many times you can stand it each day. If you brush with it, just dampen the powder with the peroxide and gently brush teeth and gums-at a leisurely pace. Don’t swallow it. The small amount of peroxide shouldn’t hurt you at all. It also stated to rinse with the peroxide but I never did it and am not sure (don’t remember) what ratio or other components would be used.
Remember, before they had manufactured toothpaste most people used baking soda to clean their mouths!
For those with silver amalgam fillings who can’t afford to get them out, what should they use if they have periodontal disease? I have those damn filings and my dentist and assistants were annoyed that I thought they were toxic. I read an article that said hydrogen peroxide can cause those fillings to leech the mercury in them. Is there anything else one can use besides hydrogen peroxide?
Worse thing is, I have also been grinding my teeth for years, which means I would have ground the fillings too. So yes, they ARE dangerous for me if that is the case. I can’t believe they didn’t think of that, even though they had just pointed out that I had ground my teeth to the dentin…. I guess they were too busy defending their position on thinking the amalgam fillings safe that they didn’t think of it. Sigh.
Hi,
My mother is overseas and wants to get the toothbrush you recommend, Philips Sonicare Essence HX 5351/46 Power Toothbrush, but cannot get that particular model (Amazon in her country offers other Philips Sonicare models). Is another model ok or is there something particular about this one that you recommend it?
If the one you recommend is the one my mother should get, I can ship it to her myself if necessary.
I received your book – thanks for your good work.
Julia
Very interesting article. I have read about this many times articles.
I have a symptom I wonder if anyone has had it.
It is a metallic taste in my mouth & it feels kind of dry.
I study your comment you are good decide to the people
Hi Vivian thank you so much for all this information. I have a question most of my teeth and molars are not my own? I have bridges most of my upper teeth and the only molars that are mine they have fillings already and if I don’t use sensodyne tooth paste than my teeth will be hurting all day. What do you recommend for me to use instead of the sensodyne and also a good mouthwash instead of act sensitive formula. I will get natural tooth paste for my seven year old son with special needs and thanks again God Bless you.
I recently had a bone density test done with bad results. Two years ago the test showed my hip bones to be minus 2.5. A month ago it was minus 7.7 which is much worse then it was 2 years ago. My doctor ordered and I got a PROLIA injection which has to be done every 6 months. Although I have reservations about it I felt I had to do something. what do you thik?
Thanks for all of your research on this fluoride subject. Last year I went in search of a toothpaste w/o
fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate. NutriBiotic Dental Gel is made with Grapefruit Seed Extract, Aloe Vera,
Vit. C & Baking Soda. It is a peppermint flavor. When I have finished the tube, I will try one of your recommendations.
I am exercising and doing my best to maintain a proper alkaline/acidic diet which is more of a challenge since
I have acid reflux.
I appreciate all you do, Vivian
Sincerely,
Susan Capin
You make your readers wiser and healthier through the knowledge you share. Keep up the good work.
Glad i’m in the “Save Our Bones” program… Vivian you are a “Bone Saver” or at least a great contributor to strong bones and I thank you again and again… Joyce H.
Hi Vivian, I so muh enjoy your presentaions and writings on research. Both of these are so helpful to me. I know I’m not alone and everytime you open a new subject it is just what I had been trying to get information on. I have read a lot on floride and am happy to be on well water. Funny you should suggest a sonic tooth brush, I was trying to deside “what next” concerning my teeth. I seem to have Bad Breath which i never had before. I think it is a combonation of things but I can’t stand it anymore. My next investment in me,is he the healthy toothpaste and toothbrush. thanks again for your Newsy Notes. I look forward to sharing how n=much improved I will be when my breath smells fresh. As for my bones, I’m working on them daily. My diet is much better and I try to walk between 3&4 miles daily. I’m no yet on a good exercise routine, but am looking forward to adding one to my daily program. Regardless I don’t sit around waitinng for things to improve;I keep moving. Hope all is going well for you too. Thanks Vivian and keep up the good work. Your articles and presentations are great, and so timly. Best regards, Joyccc
I want to ask regarding your comment about Fluoride. From studies and journal paper I read, such as “Griffin SO, Regnier E, Griffin PM, Huntley V (2007). “Effectiveness of fluoride in preventing caries in adults”. J. Dent. Res. 86 (5): 410–5″, they show how fluoride works effectively in preventing cavities.
Also, the fluoride content of a 200gram toothpaste is around 0.64 g, which is well below the toxicity limit for adult (1-10g). I do understand that if you accidentally “eat” the whole tube of toothpaste, it might proven to be lethal. However, as you are only using a bit of toothpaste every time, I don’t really understand your reason to say that it is dangerous.
Furthermore, as you might have know, all our food from plants and animals, contains fluoride due to absorption from water or soil. The fluoride contents in those we eat might as well be higher than the toothpaste we used. Thanks
I have recently read a remarkable book
“The Healthy Home” by David and Dr. Myron Wentz.
Among the Dr.’s credits, he holds a Ph.D in microbiology with a specialty in immunology from the University of Utah, he founded Gull Laboratories and developed the test for Epstein-Barr virus.
In the book they discuss fluoride.
“Fluorine, better known as fluoride, is the most electronegative and reactive of all the elements. It binds tenaciously to other elements and compounds, preventing them from entering into other chemical reactions. The presence of just one fluoride atom in any size molecule can totally change its nature and function. Fluoride has the ability to poison even the strongest of the body’s enzyme systems”.
The discussion continues by relating how poisonous fluoride is and how it is absorded through the mouth, respritory tract, and skin.
” In addition to bone brittleness, skeletal and dental fluorosis, fluoride damage due to molecular displacement extends to cells of the brain, liver, kidney, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, skin and thyroid.”
That is only part of the total account in the book. I hope everyone takes heed and tries to avoid added fluoride at all cost.
We drink osmosis filtered water as it is the only sure way to eliminate it from our town water which of course is fluoridated.
Check this book out it’s a good read.
Check this out about damages by flouride..
https://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/fluoride-and-your-thyroid/
Dear Vivian, Many thanks for all the intersting and helpful information. I hope I will be able to find an answer to my sore mouth.I have been aware of SLS and flouride tried to avoid them, but now with all this new informtion I have some hope. sheila
Hi Sheila,
Try Tom’s of Maine Botanically Bright toothpaste, which is supposed to contain no SLS or flouride.
Therese
I just bought the Kiss My Face organic tooth paste (no fluoride) but what about drinking water. Should I be drinking spring water or distilled water?
I recommend drinking distilled water, Jacqueline. I explain why in detail in The Osteoporosis Reversal Program, and I discussed some of the reasons in Question #3 here: Your ‘Ask Vivian Week’ Answers
This is most informative. I’ll have to change my toothpaste, for sure. I alternate between manual and electric toothbrushes, but as soon as I’m able to, I’ll invest in a Philips Sonicare Essence.
Thank you, VIvian!
Pauline
Hi Ralph, Where do you buy 35% food grade Hydrogen Peroxide ? Dee
Fill very abset and sad I stoped taking Actonel & month ago My bone density droped 6% I do exs every day eat good diet But my calcium is on my spine not on my bone (calcification) Any good suggest ? Thank you Genny
What about using Arm and Hammer baking soda to brush my teeth….??
thank you…..
Just recently I had my six month check-up and had to have a cavity filled. After my dentist was finished I was advised that I was showing on two different teeth the beginning of cavities. She advised me that I should start using a prescription strength fluoride & calcium phosphate paste to be applied each night before retiring for the rest of my life to prevent a filling. She said she’d welcome literature backed only by scientists if I chose to go homeopathic as she put it. She would not look at any other articles on resisting using fluoride. Needless to say I won’t be using her advise on the paste. When things like this happens it makes one have a lower opinion of a schooled Doctor. She’s only been out of school 5 years. Don’t they ever question where their information comes from before they advise us or what about themselves or their families?
Trust mouth rinses such as ACT are equally as bad then. My dentist recommended rinsing with ACT before bed (after flossing and brushing). Sounds like this is not a good idea. Some toothpastes I have used actually cause the tissue inside my mouth to shed — it’s really weird. Anyway, thanks for the heads up.
I am so impressed for what I have heard about the effect of sodium flouride and tap water on our teeth and health.However,within a month I had to change my toothbrush twice cuz the bristle wasn’t effective.Not giving the fact that it was a cheap one too.So,I really don’t know how to get rid of this problem.Because of this I do suffer bleeding at times not frequent and gum soar too.But never knew the cause of it.Please,Vivian I wish to have your idea on what I should do to exonerate myself and family from such problems.Thanks in advance.
Thanks Vivian for that warning. For some time we have been using a toothpaste from India, Neem active toothpaste. The main ingredients are Neem extract, mint flavour and calcium carbonate.
Great information.
I hardly find the toothpastes without Sodium
Fluoride. I go to the dentist clean my teeth
every 3-6 months, it depends after the last
clean up.
I love getting all the emails from Vivian and the save our bones program.
I took Fosamax for year because the doctor scared me into it and when I got Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, I quit against the doctor’s orders. I found my salvation with the Save the Bones Program and avoid the doctor as much as possible. Following the program , I was able to save my teeth and restore some bone growth in my jaw.
Thank you, Vivian
Shula
thank you. I have been using tom’s and tom’s mouth wash. It is easier to find then it use to be.
Thank you for your recommendations Vivian. Do you also have a recommendation for a good water filter to remove fluoride from tap water?
Dear Vivian, It was interesting reading your article about dental care. I was wondering if you could comment on Xylitol toothpastes,mouthwash etc. for the control of plaque build up and dental hygiene.Thanks for all your help Vivian.
Thank you for the detailed information.
I knew flouride was bad for the teeth but the information you provide makes me aware of how it affects our bones.
Selma
Dear Vivian, I read the one minute cure about a year ago, I recommend this amazing book. Its all about 35% food grade Hydrogen peroxide.I have been taking it for one year, with amazing results.I make a solution of 3% HP AND MIX A small amount with bread soda to make a tooth paste, I ALSO USE HP food grade 3% as a mouth wash, I HAVE purchaced save your bones book, great stuff, Kindest regards, Roger.
what mouth rinse do you recommend?
many thanks!
Hi Vivian,
Can you let me know what fluoride free toothpastes are in Australia, and, would the sonic toothbrush be available here as well. Thanks for all your info, it is very enlightening!
Hi Gayl,
You could try asking at a local health food or vitamin shop to find out what’s available in your area. But the products I recommend in this article can be shipped internationally, so that might work for you. 🙂
Vivian i would like to know if you have the book in spanish version save our bones program so i can send to my mother in my country colombia she suffering from osteoporosis degenerativa it may help my mother to have more healty bones tanks.
I’m sorry, Luis, but the program is not currently available in Spanish.
how to cure gum desease,my gums bleed while brushing
Floss!
I have been invited to attend an educational conference in my home city(Glasgow)for all patients diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia in the last year. I am going to take along my folder of collected articles and recipes to share my new found knowledge with them. I would like to take a information from the Restore video, the 3 Bone Building Principles. Can it be downloaded or be available in a printed copy? I love the simplicity of the presentation and want others to share it too. Thank you for the fantastic information and support. Joan
Thank you for this enlightening article. As a child, living in the English countryside for my early years we only had water from a well until we got connected to the water main. As an adult I moved to a town for employment where the water was processed river water with all the chemicals etc added to it. Just over 6 months ago my husband and I moved house to a property which is supplied by its own spring water which is filtered and passed by UV light to kill any germs but has no additives so I hope to see improvements in my old age!!! As for tooth paste, I rarely use it, just a brush since I have very few natural teeth left.
Vivian…
PLEASE…I am 68 yrs. old and my teeth need whitening. I have bought whitening types of toothpaste, but with no results. What would you suggest for stained teeth? Thank you.
Hi Cheryl,
You can try adding a pinch of baking soda to your toothpaste. It’s safe to repeat this application twice a day for as long as needed.
Neem,an ayurvedic herb is also good for teeth and can be purchased in toothpaste. I buy neem leaves and grind them with a little salt and rub it onto gums. Take care, Lee.
Glad to read your post about dental health.
Dr. Gerard Judd’s research about good teeth and good dental health for life is readily available on the net. (Just google his name).
He says that you can even use just plain old soap; he , too, strongly warns against fluoride.
He also suggests taking a very small amount of monosodium phosphate powder – maybe 1/8 tsp daily, and also vitamin C. Do you know anything about monosodium phosphate in very small amounts used to help teeth? I have tried to research it myself, and not come up with an adequate amount of information on it, although you might notice that several natual product retailers sell it on the net for a health supplement.
Thanks!
I had a dental hygienist recommend to brush without paste. She said that gets your teeth cleaner, and I think she is right. I don’t see the need to brush with anything. But I still had tarter that had to be cleaned off every six months. When I got a sore in my mouth, a friend introduced me to a web site called “oil pulling”. Basically you swish vegetable oil in your mouth in the morning( 3 or 4 times a week) for 15 minutes and then spit it out, and it is supposed to pull toxins out of your body. It did not help with the sore (a root canal did that), but it has helped with the tarter and my gums. Last dental visit the hygienist said I had less tarter than usual, and the dentist said my gums looked very good. I have never heard him say that in the 12 years I have gone there.
“Burt’s Bees” products added a natural toothpaste to their line. It comes in Multicare (flouride-free) or in a Whitening (with flouride) version. They also have toothpaste especially for kids. There’s information about these products at http://www.burtsbees.com. I bought a Multicare and a Whitening to try and find them gentle and leave my teeth clean. Weaning myself from the flouride, especially after Vivian’s newsletter. I bought these in my local grocery and also saw them at WalMart.
Thank you for the information, Vivian!
Great article with lots of info .I’ll have to go out and find a sonic toothbrush and better toothpaste to protect my health and family members .
I have been using Tom’s of Maine for sensitive teeth for some time now on Vivian’s recommendation but now, under inactive ingredients, is listed sodium lauryl sulfate. I know this wasn’t in the toothpaste when I first started using it. Is there anything else on the market for sensitive teeth without the sulfate or fluoride?
The Burts Bees toothpaste I mention in a separate comment does not have SLS or fluoride.
I am currently using something i found in the health food store from http://www.thenaturaldentist.com….fluoride and sodium laurel sulfate free. I used to use Toms of Maine, but they got bought, you know- too bad.
Hi Carol,
The Kiss My Face Aloe toothpaste I mention in the article is great for sensitive teeth.
Through several decades I have encountered various doctors that cautioned me about the dangers of fluoride. I grew up using a mix of salt & soda for brushing my teeth and now have used a fluoride-free tooth paste for 25 years. I am 49 years old and never have cavities. I was taught that cavities are caused by eating too many sweets and not brushing regularly. My 102 year old grandmother died with all her teeth in tact; she never had cavities but brushed and flossed several times a day. Fluoride did not exist in the tap water and toothpaste throughout much of her life.
For sensitive teeth I have to use toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate. So far I did not find any toothpaste, which would contain potassium nitrate and not have fluorite. Any suggestion? Thank you very much.
Hi Jaroslav,
As I told Carol, the Kiss My Face Aloe toothpaste I talk about in the article is great for sensitive teeth, and it does contain potassium nitrate.
An interesting book to read reat read “Money By The Mouthful.” “The main point that is made is that in his dental practice, he would test saliva for lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. When a patient would first come in, the levels would uniformly be skyhigh. After practicing better oral hygeine, it would come down to under 8000 ppm and after this there was NO MORE tooth decay or problems!!! It really is that easy. Another very helpful add-on to flushing this bacteria from your mouth is an oral irrigator like a waterpik. I now have a Ora-Tec irrigator, and brush with Eco-Dent and dip my tooth brush in peroxide made for the mouth.
It really infuriates me that our FDA knows all the info. in your article, but has been dragging its feet for years. Do they really have our health as a priority. I can’t find a filter that filters out fluoride? Anyone know of one?
Off to buy a sonic toothbrush!
Hi Paula,
Countertop distillers and reverse osmosis filters filter out fluoride.
I have taken crest and listerine for way over ten yrs. and have not had one cavity since. I get checked twice a year. So I’m a little confused about the fluoride. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about 6 yrs ago and took actonel for about 5 yrs. Then I got off it when I read your articles. Doctor said I had minimal improvement in bone density. So I said I’m quitting actonel. Please let me know more. Thanks!!
Hi Vivian,
I loved your article on the affects of floride and your health. I wish that our government would step in and warn the public about these chemicals and how they affect our health, but they don’t. Why?????
I’m so glad I read this article,I have been in the market for a Sonic toothbrush for a long time.Thank you for making up my mind. It’s like having an old friend give you some really good advice.
I have been using a great product which is herbal and flouride free for several years and my teeth are in great condition! Available from Himalaya Herbals
Great article, Vivian. Indeed…I have found effective toothpaste that is Flouride-free and SLS-free in our local health food store. “Look mom – no cavities” has been the theme each time I go to my dentist. Just ‘google’ “flouride-free and SLS-free toothpaste” and you’ll see a couple of online vitamin sites that sell it too. Your are right on the money, Vivian. Keep up the good work on our behalf.