Spotlight on
There’s more to it than the tube of toothpaste by your sink. Ready to brush up on the facts?
01. Isn’t fluoride the stuff in toothpaste?
It is, but the mineral isn’t limited to the tubes in your bathroom. ‘It’s naturally present in many foods,’ says registered dietitian Sophie Medlin. ‘Fluoride is known for reversing tooth decay and stimulating new bone formation.’ This dental protection comes from remineralising weakened enamel, which strengthens the structure of your teeth.
05. Anything else I need to know?
‘There are some suggestions that higher fluoride intakes during early development, including during pregnancy, can cause a lower IQ and cognitive impairment in children,’ says Medlin. But research in this area is slim, and Medlin points out that what does exist is thought to be methodologically flawed. The bottom line? Staying hydrated with tap water is a far safer bet than swerving it.
02. So, where can I find it?
Most likely in your morning brew. ‘In 2021, the government increased the amount of fluoride added to our tap water, which means that a cup of tea or coffee can be one of the richest sources,’ says Medlin. Which means, happily, you don’t have to work hard to find it – simply drinking, cooking and brushing your teeth with tap water is enough to provide all you need.
03. And how much exactly is that?
The NHS recommends a daily intake of 0.05mg per kg of body weight. For someone who weighs 60kg, that’s around 3mg/day, or the quantity you’d get
