Let’s address the 800-pound gorilla in the room: fluoride. Now, at RiseWell, we believe in science-backed results. Which is to say, we’re not against the usage of fluoride in your oral care. It works, after all, and we know this due to decades and decades of peer-reviewed research. We’re here to provide an alternative for people who have health concerns about fluoride. If you look at the back of your typical toothpaste, there is a warning along these lines: “Call Poison Control if you swallow too much. Children under the age of six should not be using this.” Our science-backed fluoride alternative is hydroxyapatite (HA).

Now, at RiseWell, we’re not just about great results. We believe in safety, too. For example (and this is an extreme example), bleach kills germs very effectively, but you wouldn’t pour it all over your hands. While fluoride is an all-star at hardening your enamel, which is an essential component of maintaining oral health, it also has health concerns when ingested. Cases of fluoride overdose and poisoning may come from oral care products, and can lead to kidney disease, gastrointestinal distress and central nervous system damage. Anyone who needs to be supervised while brushing is especially vulnerable to fluoride toxicity.

RiseWell started because my sister and her husband were unable to find a non-toxic and effective toothpaste on the market when she was pregnant with their son, Leo. The natural toothpastes on the market at the time were not effective at strengthening and protecting teeth—she might as well have brushed with water! Because they didn’t have any options, they were inspired to found RiseWell to offer better options to families like ours. And that’s what we’re all about—offering better, safer options for people who don’t want to compromise on health.

Go to our Instagram to watch me (Dr. Derek) on our stories explaining more about fluoride and other dental topics!

About Dr. Derek

He is not only Co-Founder of RiseWell. Dr. Derek Gatta is a partner at Dr Max & Dr Gatta PLLC in Boca Raton, Florida. If you are in the area, he is your go-to dentist!