Is anyone else here allergic to flouride?

Question

I am, and I need to use toothpaste with NO flouride in it. I am not sure I am protecting my teeth as I should. Any suggestions?

I do use Tom's of Maine, and a couple of other brands with no flouride. I am worried that it's not enough...

I found out I was allergic when I went to the dermatologist for redness and pain around my mouth and nose (perioral dermatitis) She said it could be from an allergy to flouride or cinnamon. I changed to a non-flouride toothpaste and my skin improved immediatly. Recently I went back to regular toochpaste and the skin around my mouth was raw. Once again, stopping it stopped the problem.

Here is a link with information about allergies to flouride. It does happen, and I am one of those it happened to. I used simple toothpaste before, plain crest or Colgate, nothing added, etc... Anyway, here is the link:

http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/allergy/

Answer 1

You are the second person I come across who has the same issue. My other patient breaks out with regular tooth paste and later found out she is allergic to fluoride after testing for it. You should be able to find fluoride free tooth paste in natural food stores like Whole Food, or Trader Joes.
You really don't need fluoridate tooth paste/or any tooth paste to keep your teeth clean. It's the mechanical action that removes plaque build up on your teeth. Main function of the tooth paste is the flavoring so you can just brush with water/little bit if salt or baking soda.
Your saliva does contain little bit of fluoride that will protect your tooth. Therefore having adequate saliva is very important. Having good oral hygiene will also help to prevent cavities(regular brushing, flossing, and stay away from sweets.)

Answer 2

Is there a whole foods store near you? I know they have toothpaste without it. I think Tom's (brand) has one w/o it. Have you ever used miswak? Strange at first but it works! I still use a brush and toothpaste too though.

EDIT: My teeth feel better after miswak then just the regular brush (I have never tried the miswak toothpaste though). It feels like after you get them cleaned at the dentist. You should also floss and use a rinse. You will need to do something about the water too since everything seems to be fluorinated. Best of luck!
EDIT2: Also look into Fluoride in Morocco, I have heard that they have a HIGH level of it there and there have been fluoride poisenings...

Answer 3

Wow,
In 15 years of being a dental hygienist I haven't heard of an allergy to fluoride. In my opinion (and from what I have seen in practice) it is probably not the fluoride in the paste but the other components instead. Many toothpastes now have whitening, breath rinse, sensitivity components, etc put in to the formula. My recommendation would be to try plain (yes plain) toothpaste like Crest or Colgate (2nd toothpaste on left column in this link "Cavity Protection" - http://www.crest.com/products/toothpastes.jsp) and see how you react. If you try it please let me know, I would love to have you confirm whether or not this was the case....Most people don't often need the extra "stuff" in the paste if you are brushing well 2-3 times a day and flossing since it removes the plaque, if you don't have plaque it can't turn into tartar. Drink dark fluids thru a straw to minimize stain...

Using fluoride is really quite important in preventing new decay. |If you are truly allergic I would recommend chewing gum or using mints with Xylitol in them (like Spry products - also see http://www.xylitolnow.com/ for information) Xylitol has been used for many years in Europe and is effective at reducing decay.

I really hope this helps you!

JAMRDH - a dental hygienist


**********EDIT**********
I appreciate you giving the link to the information about fluoride allergies, honestly I wasn't aware, but now can be more vigilant about screening my patients and be able to discuss it with other professionals. I definately will bring it up to my dermatologist (his nurse who I see) since she never mentioned my perioral dermatitis could be fluoride related. Honestly, I doubt she is aware either! My friend (who is a dental hygienist) has 4 kids with rotten eczema too, so I'll pass it on to her. I would follow the recommendation of using a non fluoridated paste (Tom's of Maine or other) and still look furthur into the use of Xylitol....
Thanks for the education --- Best, Joyce

Answer 4

Allergic to flouride.. I've never heard of that.. I would say get a faucet mount water purifier like PUR and use an all natural toothpaste.. Most of them taste like crap.. I use regular toothpaste and dip it in baking soda which acts as a natural abrasive without damaging teeth.. It's also important to floss on a regular basis... I would also use a listerine rinse, to help your gums.. Just out of curiosity how do you know your allergic to flouride....What are the signs? Good luck

Answer 5

I was always told to brush young children's teeth/mouth with baking soda because of a reaction to flouride (if they swallow).

If you read the packaging of toothpaste it's for 2 and up and babys have teeth well before then.

I would think the same would work with people allergic to flouride.

Answer 6

a dont hink so lol