What’s the best way to prevent cavities in kids without fluoride?

I get this question so often that I have to break it into two parts:

1. Moms want to know how to prevent cavities in a more natural, less toxic way.

2. Moms also want to know if fluoride is toxic—or even effective at preventing cavities.

Let’s tackle both.

Is fluoride toxic, and does it even work?

Here’s the truth: fluoride can help remineralize teeth. Yes, I know—I don’t use fluoride for myself or my family, but “let’s give César what belongs to César.” Studies show that fluoride strengthens enamel by swapping out hydroxyl ions in the tooth structure, making enamel harder and more acid-resistant.

But here’s the problem—too much fluoride comes with risks. Some known side effects include:

• Dental fluorosis

• Bone weakness and fracture risk

• Lower fertility rates

• Harm to fetal brain development

• Neurotoxic effects (including ADHD)

• Skeletal fluorosis

• Lower IQ

In fact, a 2006 report by the National Research Council highlighted serious health concerns with fluoride exposure, especially in vulnerable populations like infants, children, and people with thyroid, kidney, or metabolic issues.

More recently, a long-delayed review from the National Toxicology Program confirmed that prenatal and early-life fluoride exposure can reduce IQ. This review had been suppressed for years before finally being released.

So yes, fluoride can work—but it also carries risks.

So, what’s the natural way to prevent cavities?

Here are the areas I focus on with my own family:

1. Watch for Mouth Breathing
Kids who sleep with their mouths open are at higher risk for cavities. Saliva protects teeth, and when the mouth dries out, bacteria thrive. Saliva also delivers the minerals teeth need to repair themselves.

2. Spacing Matters
Baby teeth should have small gaps between them. Crowded baby teeth mean crowded adult teeth, and that can affect jaw and airway development. If teeth touch, daily flossing is a must.

3. Nourish with the Right Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins A, D3, E, and K2 help move minerals into teeth and bones. Whole foods are best—especially animal-based sources like organ meats. I grew up in Peru where cooking with organs is normal, but if that’s not for you, supplements can help.

4. Choose Whole Foods First
Nutrient-dense foods (rich in Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese) build strong enamel. Think of liver as nature’s multivitamin.

5. Cut the Junk
Limit processed snacks and sweets—even the “healthier” ones. White flour is especially sneaky—it’s stripped of nutrition and digests into sugar that cavity-causing bacteria love. Milling your own wheat can be a game changer if possible.

6. Use Filtered Water (But Add Minerals Back In)
Yes, filter your water (especially here in Wilmington), but don’t forget to replace trace minerals. Our bodies need them for balance—and if minerals are scarce, your heart will get them before your teeth.

7. Feed the Gut, Support the Mouth
Include at least one fermented food or drink daily. A strong gut microbiome supports a healthy oral microbiome.

8. Brush with Purpose
Teach kids to brush twice a day and floss. Habits formed young last a lifetime.

9. Choose Smarter Products
Swap fluoride toothpaste for hydroxyapatite—it supports enamel naturally. And if you use mouthwash, pick herbal or gentle formulas that won’t upset the mouth’s balance.

Here’s the bottom line: cavities are not a fluoride deficiency.
They are a sign of imbalance in the body, diet, and habits. By focusing on whole-body health and natural strategies, you can keep your kids’ teeth strong—without depending on fluoride.

Resources

• Tooth Remineralization Agents: An Evidence-Based Review to Make Informed Patient Recommendations – Today’s RDH

• Fluoride Facts: Sources, Exposure and Health Effects – IAOMT

True wellness starts in your mouth.
Dr. Norma Cortez
Your Biological & Airway Dentist