The fluoride debate continues to swirl in local and national headlines. In late October 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made headlines by announcing new restrictions on fluoride supplements for children. The agency said that fluoride tablets, drops or lozenges given to infants and young children to help prevent cavities “are no longer recommended” for kids under age 3, and they should be limited to older children as well.
What led to the change?
The decision was based on updated scientific research that finds limited benefits of fluoride supplements for many children and emerging concerns about potential side effects, such as impacts on the gut microbiome, possible weight changes, and neurodevelopment.
Studies like the Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores from early 2025 brought new light and new research to how fluoride is impacting those who are most vulnerable.
But long before the U.S. FDA took a historic step to restrict the use of fluoride supplements for children, there were voices in the natural health space questioning the safety and health impacts of fluoride in everyday dental care.
For years, Wellnesse has been one of the few mainstream brands openly challenging the conventional wisdom around fluoride, long before regulators started sounding alarms.
The Fluoride Conversation We’re Not Having - Especially When It Comes to Kids
All this to say, this isn’t just about product preference. It’s about transparency and informed choice. The FDA’s recent move signals that even long-held public health policies may need revisiting in light of new science and evolving priorities about children’s health.
Families have lived with fluoride in water, toothpaste, and supplements for generations with limited public discussion about dose accumulation, developmental exposure, or alternatives.
What’s striking about fluoride isn’t just how widely it’s used - it’s how rarely it’s questioned. For something that children are exposed to every single day, there’s very little informed conversation happening at the family level. Fluoride is in municipal drinking water, it’s in most conventional toothpastes, and it’s often recommended without much discussion of dosage, cumulative exposure, or potential downsides. It’s simply assumed to be safe, effective, and necessary- end of story.
But here’s the issue: children aren’t exposed to fluoride in just one controlled way. They’re drinking it in water throughout the day and brushing with it twice a day, often swallowing some toothpaste in the process (as most young kids do). Add in fluoride treatments at the dentist or supplements in certain areas, and suddenly we’re no longer talking about a single, minimal exposure - we’re talking about repeated, daily, multi-source exposure during critical stages of development.
Yet parents are rarely told to think about total intake, let alone given the information needed to make an informed choice.
In any other context, this would raise red flags. We expect informed consent when it comes to medications, vaccines, and even over-the-counter supplements for children. We ask questions. We weigh risks and benefits. But with fluoride, that step is often skipped entirely. It’s presented as a default, not a decision. Many parents don’t even realize fluoride is in their water, or that there are alternatives to fluoride-based oral care that still support strong, healthy teeth.
This lack of conversation doesn’t mean parents are negligent, it means the system has normalized fluoride use so much that questioning it feels controversial. But asking questions isn’t anti-science; it’s pro-awareness.
Parents deserve transparent information about what their children are exposed to, how much they’re getting, and what the potential trade-offs may be. Only then can families make choices that align with their values, comfort levels, and understanding of health.
Why Some Families Want Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
The focus on fluoride ingestion has led many parents to ask: “Should I avoid fluoride altogether and how do I protect my child’s teeth?”
Here are a few reasons some families choose a fluoride-free toothpaste option:
Concerns about fluoride overexposure: Even small amounts of fluoride, when ingested repeatedly, can contribute to fluorosis (white streaking or spots on teeth) in young children. Restricting supplements was partly based on these kinds of concerns.
Gut microbiome sensitivity: The FDA cited emerging data suggesting that ingestible fluoride may alter the gut microbiome, the complex community of bacteria that plays a vital role in digestion, immunity and overall health.
Personal preference or sensitivity: Some individuals simply prefer to avoid fluoride due to personal health philosophies, sensitivities, or a desire to minimize chemical exposure.
For those families who want to avoid fluoride but still maintain strong oral hygiene, the good news is that fluoride-free toothpaste options exist.
Hydroxyapatite: A Natural, Safe, and Effective Alternative
One of the most promising fluoride-free alternatives is hydroxyapatite toothpaste. But what is hydroxyapatite, and how does it work?
Micro-Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral. In fact, it’s the main mineral that makes up tooth enamel and bone. In toothpaste form, it can remineralize enamel, protect against cavities, and reduce sensitivity, all without fluoride.
Here’s why hydroxyapatite is getting attention:
1. Reinforces Weak Spots on Teeth
Hydroxyapatite works by depositing tiny mineral particles directly into areas where enamel has begun to demineralize, the first step in cavity formation. These particles help fill in microscopic holes and strengthen the surface of the tooth.
2. Mimics Natural Tooth Structure
Because hydroxyapatite is similar to the minerals in your teeth, it’s biocompatible and non-toxic. Children, adults and anyone cautious about fluoride exposure can use it without worry.
3. Helps Prevent Decay
Research indicates that toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite can inhibit plaque bacteria and reduce early caries (cavity) lesions, offering benefits comparable to fluoride toothpaste in many cases.
4. Gentle on Teeth and Gums
Hydroxyapatite doesn’t carry the risk of fluorosis, and because it’s non-toxic, there’s no concern if a child accidentally swallows toothpaste (an advantage for families with young brushers).
Does Hydroxyapatite Work as Well as Fluoride?
Many parents wonder whether hydroxyapatite can match fluoride’s decades-long track record. Current studies and expert insights suggest:
Effectiveness in remineralization: Hydroxyapatite has been shown to repair early enamel damage and help prevent cavities. Teeth are made of hydroxyapatite and when you brush your teeth with it, the hydroxyapatite particles fill in the cracks and crevices and helps teeth to remineralize. It's effective at stopping an early cavity from forming.
Comparable protection: Several clinical studies indicate that hydroxyapatite toothpaste performs similarly to fluoride toothpaste in preventing decay, especially for everyday use.
Safer profile: Because it’s non-toxic and doesn’t introduce fluoride ions into the body, hydroxyapatite is a good choice for those who want cavity protection with zero fluoride exposure. Hydroxyapatite is a mineral and is biomimetic, meaning that it's natural for the body to absorb and use.
Hydroxyapatite is increasingly recognized by dental professionals as a credible, science-based fluoride alternative, especially for children or people who want a more natural product.
Why Wellnesse Created a Fluoride-Free Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
While mainstream dentistry has championed fluoride as a cornerstone of cavity prevention, Wellnesse urged consumers to rethink daily use, especially for children, long before the FDA’s action brought the conversation into public policy.
Our product philosophy emphasize seeking alternatives to fluoride and highlighting concerns about potential effects on overall health, thyroid function, and developing bodies.
Check out and shop Fluoride-Free Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
