Is acidic toothpaste bad for your teeth? Is it better to have a more alkaline toothpaste instead? Do dentists deliberately recommend acidic toothpastes to increase the risk of cavities? The following evaluation presents the advantages and disadvantages of using acidic toothpaste. Also, the most comprehensive pH lists of nearly all toothpastes brands are included.
What We Know
There are 3 different fluoride compounds in toothpaste: stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, and sodium monofluorophosphate. All 3 types prevent cavities. They are naturally acidic, which seems paradoxical since teeth deteriorate in an acidic environment from 0-5.5pH.
PROS of Acidic Toothpaste:
Improved Effectiveness
Several in vitro studies found if toothpaste is more acidic then it takes less fluoride to be as effective than a more alkaline toothpaste, which requires more fluoride to produce the same protection.
Improved Fluoride Uptake
Acidic fluoride toothpaste has an improved acceptance in the mouth within saliva, plaque, and enamel. compared to a neutral pH toothpaste.
Only Beneficial if Fluoride is Included
Fluoride has a stronger role in protecting teeth than the acidic content of toothpaste has in destroying it. Having no fluoride in toothpaste is less effective in protecting teeth and preventing wear.
CONS of Acidic Toothpaste:
Wears Teeth Faster
Acidic products cause teeth to erode much faster. This includes foods, drinks, and even toothpastes. The more aggressively teeth are brushed with acidic toothpaste the wear is accelerated. This can lead to a greater vulnerability in getting cavities due to thinning of tooth structure.
Weakens Teeth
Constant exposure to acidic products including toothpaste substantially weakens tooth structure integrity.
No Fluoride Means No Protection
Fluoride counters the negatives of acidic toothpaste. If fluoride is the only known ingredient that prevents cavities then what protects your teeth from cavities when using acidic toothpaste? Correct—nothing. Might as well brush your teeth with soda.
Challenge of Identifying pH in Toothpaste
Toothpastes have a pH range instead of a constant pH value due to compound complexity. One tube may have a pH of 4.7 while another of the same make may have 5.9 pH. This report gives an average value instead of a range for simplicity. All data collected come from the manufacturers.
Click below to see the pH of your favorite toothpastes (fluoride and non-fluoride toothpastes) that are sold in the United States:
OUR RECOMMENDATION
Select a toothpaste that has fluoride. This is your best way to prevent cavities and prevent tooth destruction. Do NOT pick an acidic toothpaste (0-5.5pH) that has NO fluoride.
If you favor an acidic toothpaste, consider alternating between that and a more alkaline toothpaste morning and night.
Brush gently and ONLY use the softest bristles you can find. We highly recommend an electric toothbrush or a Nimbus toothbrush.
Surprisingly, most acidic toothpastes that have no fluoride are children’s toothpastes and labeled as natural or organic! Highly recommend avoiding these due to their high acidic content with ZERO cavity-prevention benefits: Essential Oxygen Organic, Tom’s of Main Toddler Training, Colgate Kids My First Fluoride-Free, Nature’s Answer, Radius Kids Organic, Botao Baby, Orajel Kids, Crest Baby Training.
CONCLUSION
There’s no conspiracy among dentists to recommend brushing with acidic toothpaste because this principle is not as black and white. Though there are legitimate concerns with toothpastes being acidic, there are also many benefits of having an acidic toothpaste. This is not to say that all acidic toothpastes are inherently good or bad. For example, eating an apple every day is healthy but if your diet consisted solely of apples then is that considered healthy? What is more important than the acidic level of your toothpaste is whether your toothpaste contains fluoride.
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