Why I Don’t Use Fluoride (IAOMT Guidelines)

Rethinking Fluoride in Dentistry

For decades, fluoride has been promoted as the gold standard for cavity prevention. From toothpaste to drinking water, most Americans are exposed daily. But is fluoride truly the safest, most effective way to protect your teeth? As a holistic dentist in Florida, I follow the guidelines of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), which strongly recommend limiting fluoride exposure due to its potential health risks. My patients deserve the highest quality care without compromising overall wellness — and that’s why my practice is fluoride-free.

Fluoride: Not an Essential Nutrient

Despite its widespread use, fluoride is not an essential nutrient. Your body does not need it to function, and no disease has ever been linked to fluoride deficiency. While it may help remineralize enamel on the tooth surface, overexposure is common in modern life. Between toothpaste, mouth rinses, processed foods, and fluoridated water, the cumulative intake often exceeds safe limits, especially for children.

Potential Risks of Fluoride

Research has raised concerns about long-term fluoride exposure. Some of the issues linked to fluoride include:

• Dental Fluorosis: visible white or brown streaks on teeth caused by excess fluoride in childhood.

• Skeletal Effects: studies suggest a link between high levels of fluoride and weakened bones.

• Systemic Concerns: research continues on fluoride’s potential neurological and thyroid effects.

At Amore Dentistry, we believe prevention should never come at the expense of overall health. That’s why we offer safer, biologic alternatives.

Safer Alternatives We Use

In a holistic dental practice, prevention goes beyond one chemical. Here are the methods we use to protect and strengthen teeth naturally:

• Ozone Therapy: kills harmful bacteria and promotes remineralization.

• PRF/PRP Applications: use your own healing cells to reduce infection risk during treatment.

• Nutritional Guidance: teaching patients how diet affects enamel strength, inflammation, and cavity risk.

• Biocompatible Sealants and Materials: protecting vulnerable areas without toxic exposure.

  
  

Whole-Body Approach

Holistic dentistry means understanding the mouth as part of the entire body. Cavities are not just about brushing and fluoride application — they are influenced by airway issues, diet, gut health, and even stress. By addressing these root causes, we help patients achieve long-term oral health naturally.

Flourishing Without Fluoride

At Amore Dentistry, my goal is not just to fix teeth but to empower patients to live healthier lives. Fluoride is not the only option for preventing cavities. With biologic protocols, airway-centered orthodontics, and whole-body dentistry, we protect smiles safely and naturally.

If you’re looking for a fluoride-free dentist in Florida who cares for your teeth and your total health, I’d love to welcome you to my practice.

References

1. “Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” — Taylor KW, Eftim SE, Sibrizzi CA, et al. JAMA Pediatrics. 2025. Shows associations between fluoride exposure (via water, urinary fluoride) and lower IQ in children. JAMA Network

2. “Systematic review of epidemiological and toxicological evidence on fluoride: health endpoints including dental fluorosis, IQ, thyroid function, etc.” — MK Taher et al. 2024. Talks about dental fluorosis and reduction in IQ scores among the strongest evidence endpoints. PubMed

3. “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Fluoride Exposure and Neurological Disorders” — Miranda et al. (2021). Examines links between fluoride exposure from various sources and neurological parameters in children/adolescents. Nature

4. “Developmental fluoride neurotoxicity: an updated review.” — P. Grandjean, et al. 2019. Focuses on the suspected neurotoxic effects of fluoride during early development. BioMed Central

5. “Fluoride Exposure and Cognitive Neurodevelopment.” — F. Veneri, et al. 2023. Review of studies about how fluoride affects IQ and cognitive development. ScienceDirect

6. “Nutrition and Oral Health.” — ADA (American Dental Association). Discusses how diet/nutrition affect oral health (caries, gum disease, etc.). ADA

7. “Good Oral Health and Diet.” — Scardina GA. 2012. A study showing how balanced diet correlates with healthy teeth, gums, and oral tissues. PMC

8. “Diet, Nutrition, and Oral Health in Older Adults: A Review.” — AKY Chan et al. 2023. Looks at how poor diet and nutrition in older age correlate with dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth wear. MDPI

9. “Every Bite Counts to Achieve Oral Health: A Scoping Review on the Role of Dietary Patterns & Protective Foods.” — S. Chamut et al. 2024. Shows that diets rich in dairy, proteins, fruits & vegetables can protect against caries. BioMed Central