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The 5 Best Natural Alternatives to Fluoride

Published August 12, 2015

Fluoride has been a known endocrine disruptor for a while now, and there is some evidence surfacing revealing just how destructive it can be. Unfortunately, it's still used in many dental products to this day. While it can benefit dental health, the overall health issues associated with consumption just aren't worth it. Nowadays, there are so many other things you can use for a healthy mouth and bone protection.

Natural Alternatives to Fluoride

Protecting your teeth and gums requires time, commitment, and the right tools to get the job done. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and limiting sugar intake are all great methods. Fluoride may provide topical benefit, but beyond that, it's doesn't hold a candle to natural alternatives. Here are five supplements you should consider adding to your oral health regimen.

1. Neem

Neem is nothing short of amazing. One study suggests a neem mouthwash could even outperform a traditional dental product when it comes to reducing plaque! ^[1] Other studies suggest it has almost miraculous properties when it comes to approaching gingivitis. ^[2] If you want to check it out, one easy way is to look for fluoride-free toothpaste with neem leaf extract.

2. Coconut oil

Coconut oil already has antibacterial properties and is much safer than the endocrine-disrupting triclosan found in many fluoridated toothpastes. You can even use coconut oil as toothpaste if you like! Research suggests it can actually slow the growth of some bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. ^[3] Another study suggests oil pulling–or oil swishing–with coconut oil can also lead to a significant decrease in overall plaque. ^[4]

3. Ozonated Olive Oil

Olive oil has long been hailed for its moisturizing benefits, and this type actually takes that one step further with a process called ozone injection. This process bubbles ozone into the liquid for quite a while before it even gets to you. Ozonated olive oil is just one way we can use dental ozone therapy. One study even suggests this therapy could be more effective than traditional dental methods, so why not try the best of both worlds with a product like O2-Zap paired with a fluoride-free toothpaste. ^[5]

4. Oregano Oil

Often used to fight infection in the body, oregano oil can be highly beneficial for dental issues and can be used to soothe toothaches, abscesses, and mouth sores. Because of its potency, though, always be sure that you dilute it with something like olive oil. You can even use it like a mouthwash, spitting it out after you've swished it around your mouth.

5. Myrrh

Used to combat bad breath, myrrh can be found in some fluoride-free toothpastes on the market. You might wonder exactly how it works. Well, one of the compounds in myrrh is actually toxic to all the things that can cause bad breath. And, like many of the supplements listed here, it could also help with gum health. Research shows it's effective in fighting periodontal disease. ^[6] A high-quality product, like Fresh Mouth, not only contains myrrh, but also a blend of other ingredients to support a healthy mouth.

How Do You Protect Your Teeth and Gums?

With all the options out there, there's absolutely no reason that you have to use fluoride anymore. Myrrh, coconut oil, and neem are just as effective, if not more, and present relatively little side effects. Other things you can do is to drink plenty of water, avoid high-carbohydrate beverages like soda and juice, and brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride-free toothpaste. In addition, be sure you are getting plenty of vitamin D, because this vitamin can be helpful for supporting teeth and gum health.

What do you use for fluoride-free dental care? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM