Fluoride in dentifrices: Safe or unsafe?

Fluoride-based dentrifices/Toothpaste emerged at the forefront of preventive dentistry in the eighteenth century and have remained relevant over the years. However, as knowledge continuously evolves and expands, the safety of the continued consumption and prophylactic use of fluorides in different formulations has come under deep scrutiny in recent years. Following reports of dental malformations of fluorosis and the potential of skeletal deformations from its toxicity, the net benefit of fluoride in dentrifices used over time deserves an assessment. The review of published scientific literature in this article revealed that the use of toothpaste containing fluoride is beneficial on topical application, provided it is used in strict compliance with evidence-based regulations and recommendations of global health agencies and associations. The review acknowledges the possibility of a negative impact from the excessive consumption of fluoride; however, it highlights the fact that the benefit of using fluoride-containing dentrifices in the prevention of dental caries, particularly in the right volume and the right environment, is more beneficial in preventing dental caries and it substantially outweighs the potential risks.