Dr. Michelle Jorgensen

March 19, 2025

Fluoride has been hailed as the hero of dental care for decades, but is it truly living up to its reputation? For decades, it’s been everywhere—water, toothpaste, mouthwashes—all with the promise of protecting your teeth from decay.

But if fluoride is so effective . . .  why are so many people still struggling with cavities?

The truth is, fluoride’s story isn’t as spotless as we’ve been led to believe. From potential health risks to unanswered questions about its effectiveness, there’s more to this debate than meets the eye.

Stick with me as we unpack the fluoride controversy, look at what it might be doing to your body, and explore a better, safer solution for keeping your teeth strong and healthy.

Ever taken a good look at the back of your toothpaste tube?

If not, now’s the time. Most commercial toothpastes include a warning that says something like this: “If swallowed, contact poison control immediately.”

Yes, you read that right. Something we’re putting in our mouths every single day comes with poison control instructions. For children, even a small amount of swallowed fluoride toothpaste can cause nausea, stomach pain, or worse.

Here’s the kicker: fluoride affects more than just your teeth. Studies have shown that it can accumulate in your bones, making them harder but more brittle—an unsettling paradox…

Harder doesn’t mean stronger, and brittle bones are far more prone to fractures.

So here’s the question: if fluoride is safe enough to use daily, why the serious precautions?

The story of fluoride as a cavity-fighting hero began in the 1930s, when researchers discovered that communities with naturally high fluoride levels in their water had fewer cavities. By the 1940s, public health officials were adding fluoride to water supplies and toothpaste, and fluoride quickly became the gold standard in dental care.

But not everyone was on board . . . critics have long raised concerns about mass fluoridation—saying it amounts to medicating the population without consent.

Imagine if the government decided to add antidepressants to your water supply under the guise of “helping” you. Sound far-fetched? It’s essentially what’s happening with fluoride.

Now, growing research suggests that fluoride might not be as harmless as we once thought. Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, recently recommended against fluoridating water, citing potential neuropsychiatric risks.

A groundbreaking study in JAMA Pediatrics even found a link between fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children.

Communities across the country are starting to question whether fluoride’s benefits outweigh its risks.

Fluoride’s claim to fame is its ability to strengthen enamel and protect against decay. Sounds great, right? But here’s where things get tricky.

Fluoride doesn’t actually repair your teeth—it just coats them in a temporary shield.

It creates a compound called fluorapatite, which is stronger than the enamel’s original structure and more resistant to acid attack. Think of it as duct tape for your teeth…

However, decades of widespread fluoride use haven’t eliminated cavities. If fluoride was the ultimate solution, and stronger enamel was the only factor, why are we still fighting the same dental battles?

And what about its impact on the rest of your body?

Beyond the brittleness it causes in bones, fluoride can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Fluoride mimics iodine—an essential nutrient for your thyroid—effectively displacing it and disrupting hormone regulation. This can leave you feeling fatigued, sluggish, and “off.”  It can also affect developing children and brain and hormone function in all of us.  

• Bone Weakness: Prolonged fluoride exposure has been linked to brittle bones and higher fracture risks.

• Thyroid Disruption: Fluoride can interfere with hormone regulation, leaving you feeling fatigued or “off.”

• Neurotoxicity: Studies show a concerning link between fluoride exposure and reduced IQ in children, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood.

Fluoride isn’t the only thing in toothpaste that deserves a closer look. Many commercial brands also contain questionable ingredients that could do more harm than good:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent that can irritate sensitive tissues.

• Titanium Dioxide: A whitening agent banned in food by the EU due to safety concerns.

• Triclosan: Linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance.

• Artificial Sweeteners: Like aspartame and saccharin, which may impact gut health.

With so many potential risks packed into a single tube, it’s no wonder people are searching for safer, cleaner alternatives.

So, where does this leave us? If fluoride isn’t the answer—and commercial toothpaste comes with its own set of concerns…

…what should we be using to protect our teeth?

That’s where hydroxyapatite comes in.

Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up 97% of your enamel and 70% of your bones.

Unlike fluoride, it doesn’t just coat your teeth…

…it integrates directly into them, rebuilding and remineralizing enamel from the outside in.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• Remineralizes Weak Enamel: Fills in microscopic cracks and prevents cavities.

• Reduces Sensitivity: Seals exposed dentin for long-lasting relief.

• Safe for Everyone: No poison control warnings, no side effects, no worries.

After years of researching the safest and most effective ways to care for teeth, I knew there had to be a better option. That’s why I developed my Remineralizing Tooth Powder—a fluoride-free, dentist-approved formula that combines hydroxyapatite with other natural ingredients for strong, healthy teeth.

This isn’t just about avoiding fluoride—it’s about giving your teeth exactly what they need to thrive.

My tooth powder is free from artificial additives, harsh chemicals, and unnecessary fillers. It’s safe for kids, pregnant women, and anyone who wants to take a more holistic approach to dental health!

Dr. Michelle Jorgensen is a dentist, author, and founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle, a brand focused on providing natural, science-backed oral care solutions. After discovering that her own health issues were caused by toxic materials used in traditional dentistry, she shifted to holistic, non-toxic practices that promote whole-body health.

Today, Dr. Michelle is a leading advocate for fluoride-free alternatives and has developed her own line of Remineralizing Tooth Powder and Mouth Rinse to help families protect their teeth naturally — without the risks associated with fluoride.

Fluoride might have had its time in the spotlight, but the future of dental care is here—and it’s better, safer, and more effective.

If you’re ready to ditch the risks and embrace a natural alternative, I invite you to try my Remineralizing Tooth Powder today.

Your teeth deserve the best. Let’s give them the care they need to shine. Shop now and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile!

• Green R, Lanphear B, Hornung R, et al. Association Between Maternal Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy and IQ Scores in Offspring in Canada. JAMA Pediatr. 2019;173(10):940–948. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2757548

  
  

• National Toxicology Program. Monograph on the State of the Science Concerning Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopment and Cognition. 2024. https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2024/august/national-toxicology-program-releases-fluoride-exposure-monograph/

  
  

• Xiang Q, Liang Y, Chen L, Wang C, Chen B, Chen X. Effect of fluoride in drinking water on children’s intelligence. Fluoride. 2003;36(2):84–94.