No – it’s very unlikely that you are getting too much fluoride. Fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinses have low amounts of fluoride relative to recommended daily levels.
Fluoride helps support strong tooth enamel for fewer cavities and strong bones. Fluoride also helps stop and reverse tooth decay. Most adults in the US get some of our daily fluoride through toothpastes and fluoride rinses. We also get fluoride by drinking tap water that contains fluoride either naturally or with fluoride added through a municipal water supply. There is no difference in the safety or chemical make-up of natural and added fluoride in our drinking water, but the amount of natural fluoride in groundwater typically is less than the necessary amounts needed to protect our health.
How much fluoride do I need daily? Can I “overdo” it?
The average adult needs a fairly small amount of fluoride every day (about 3-4 milligrams, while the maximum safe level is 10 milligrams). You aren’t likely to “overdo” it by using fluoride toothpaste. Typical amounts of fluoride we absorb from daily toothpaste use are far less than what we need (roughly 0.1 milligrams for adults). For kids, the daily needs are lower (up to 1.6 milligrams for kids younger than 4 years, 2.0 to 2.2 milligrams for 5 to about 11 years, and 2.4 milligrams for about 11 to 14 years). The amount of fluoride kids absorb with daily fluoride toothpaste use is also well below the safe limits – up to 0.3 milligrams depending on age. This means that as long as you follow the package directions and spit out your toothpaste or rinse when you are done using them, the small amount left over in your mouth is good for you. But this also means that using a fluoride toothpaste alone doesn’t give you enough daily fluoride. Many of us get the rest of our daily fluoride from tap water and from other foods and drinks that have fluoride in them. For example, there are trace amounts of fluoride in shellfish, raisins, potatoes, tea, and coffee.
People who live in places without fluoride in the water can develop more cavities because they do not receive enough fluoride to protect their teeth. You can choose to supplement your fluoride intake by using a fluoride rinse. This can help reduce tooth decay. You should consider talking to a dentist or health care provider if you are wondering if this option is right for you.
How can I help to make sure the fluoride in my toothpaste is effective?
Fluoride toothpastes and rinses work best if you don’t rinse your mouth with water after use. This allows time for fluoride in these products to harden your enamel and for some of the fluoride left in your mouth to get absorbed in your digestive tract and support bone strength. When it comes to protecting your teeth, when you brush them also matters. You should wait at least 30 minutes after eating before you brush. This is because when you eat your tooth enamel gets softer from being exposed to the acids in food. By waiting at least half an hour, your enamel will naturally harden with help from compounds in your saliva. Fluoride then offers even greater hardening and protection.
What happens if I get too much or too little fluoride?
While it is possible to get too much fluoride, it isn’t likely for most people in the US. On one hand, if you were to consume an extreme amount of fluoride in a short time , you would experience very clear signs like diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Too much fluoride over a long period of time can cause a bone condition called “skeletal fluorosis,” but this is very rare. This is not caused by drinking water but from rare accidents such as unintentionally swallowing large amounts of fluoridated dental care products. The amount of fluoride you get from drinking tap water and dental care products is not sufficient to cause it. Kids younger than eight years can get dental fluorosis (harmless but noticeable dental staining or pitting). This is also rare and can be avoided by making sure they only brush twice daily with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Even so, using fluoride products is considered low-risk. On the other hand, if you don’t get enough fluoride, you are far more likely to get tooth decay. Dental health is very closely linked with overall health. Tooth decay makes it more likely for harmful bacteria in your mouth to enter into your bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation and infections elsewhere in your body. This is linked to more serious health risks like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, cancer, and lung disease. It can even make preterm birth more likely during pregnancy. Using a fluoride toothpaste every day is a great way to support dental and overall health!
TL;DR: Fluoride is important for maintaining healthy teeth and bones. It’s hard to get too much fluoride from toothpaste and rinses with fluoride. Usually we don’t get enough. Drinking tap water with fluoride is a good way to protect your teeth. If you don’t have fluoride in your water, consider using a fluoride rinse. For most people, the benefits of getting enough fluoride are greater than the low risk if they get too much.
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