Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water and food. It is also produced synthetically for use in drinking water, toothpastes, mouthwashes and various chemical products.
Water authorities add fluoride to municipal water supplies because studies have shown that adding it to areas where water fluoride levels are low can reduce the prevalence of tooth decay in the local population.
Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems affecting children. Many people around the world cannot afford the cost of regular dental checkups, so adding fluoride can provide savings and benefits to those who need it.
However, concerns have been raised about the health effects of fluoride, including problems with bones, teeth and neurological development.
Excessive exposure to fluoride has been linked to a number of health problems.
Dental fluoridation
A fluoride content of 0.7 ppm is now considered the best for dental health. A concentration that is greater than 4.0 ppm can be dangerous.
Exposure to high concentrations of fluoride during childhood, when teeth are developing, can lead to mild dental fluoridation. There will be tiny white streaks or spots on the tooth enamel.
This does not affect the health of the teeth, but discoloration can be noticeable.
Breastfeeding infants or making milk with fluoride-free water can help protect young children from fluoride.
Children under 6 years old they should not use a mouthwash containing fluoride. Children should be supervised when brushing their teeth to ensure they do not swallow toothpaste.
Skeletal fluoridation
Excessive exposure to fluoride
Bones can harden and become less elastic, increasing the risk of fractures. If the bones thicken and bone tissue builds up, this can contribute to impaired joint mobility.
Thyroid problems
In some cases, excess fluoride can damage the parathyroid gland. This can lead to hyperparathyroidism, which involves uncontrolled secretion of parathyroid hormones.
This can lead to depletion of calcium in bone structures and higher than normal blood calcium concentrations.
Lower calcium concentrations in bones make them more susceptible to fracture.
Neurological problems
In 2017, a report was published suggesting that exposure to fluoride before birth
The researchers measured fluoride levels in 299 women during pregnancy and in their children between the ages of 6 and 12. They tested cognitive ability at ages 4 and between 6 and 12 years. Higher fluoride levels were associated with lower IQ test scores.
In 2014, fluoride was documented as a neurotoxin that
Other health problems
According to the International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), an organization that campaigns against the use of supplemental fluoride, it can also contribute to the following health problems:
- acne and other skin problems
- cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerosis and arterial calcification, high blood pressure, myocardial damage, heart failure, and heart failure
- reproductive problems such as lower fertility and early puberty in girls
- thyroid dysfunction
- conditions affecting the joints and bones, such as osteoarthritis, bone cancer and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
- neurological problems, possibly leading to ADHD
A review
Fluoride poisoning
Acute, high-level exposure to fluoride can lead to:
- abdominal pain
- excessive salivation
- nausea and vomiting
- seizures and muscle spasms
This will not result from drinking tap water. is
It is worth remembering that many substances are harmful in large quantities but helpful in small quantities.
Fluoride is added to many dental products.
Fluoride is present in many water supplies and is added to drinking water in many countries.
It is also used in the following dental products:
- toothpaste
- cements and fillings
- gels and oral solutions
- varnishes
- some brands of thread
- fluoride supplements, recommended in areas where the water is not fluoridated
Non-dental sources of fluoride include:
- drugs containing perfluorinated compounds
- foods and beverages made with water containing fluoride
- Pesticides
- waterproof and stain-resistant items with PFC
Excessive exposure to fluoride can come from:
- fluoridation of public water
- high fluoride concentrations in natural fresh water
- fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste
- untested bottled water
- inappropriate use of fluoride supplements;
- some foods
Not all exposure to fluoride comes from adding the chemical to water and dental products.
Some geographic areas have potable water that is
Possible side effects of excessive fluoride intake include:
- tooth discoloration
- bone problems
Other possible side effects are listed in the “Risks” section above.
Fluoride has been linked to reducing tooth decay.
The American Dental Association (ADA) says that fluoride in water benefits communities why the:
- reduces tooth decay by 20 to 40 percent
- protects against tooth decay
- it is safe and effective
- saves money on dental treatment
- it’s natural
Fluoride is present in natural water. Adding fluoride, the ADA says, is like fortifying milk with vitamin D, orange juice with calcium, or cereal with B vitamins and folic acid.
Studies continue to show that adding fluoride to water supports dental health.
A Cochrane review published in 2015 I found out that when fluoride was introduced into the water:
- Children had 35 percent fewer decayed, missing or filled baby teeth.
- There was a 15 percent increase in children with no cavities in their baby teeth.
- The percentage of children without cavities in their permanent teeth increased by 14 percent.
Application of fluoride to children’s teeth
How does it work;
Fluoride prevents tooth decay with:
- changing the structure of developing enamel in children under the age of 7 so that it is more resistant to acid attack
- providing an environment where better quality enamel is formed, which is more resistant to acid attack
- reducing the ability of bacteria in plaque to produce acid
This includes the following procedures:
Protection against descaling: When bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars, they produce acid. This acid can erode tooth enamel and damage our teeth. Fluoride can protect teeth from acid-induced descaling.
Reorganization: If the acid has already caused some damage to the teeth, fluoride accumulates in the deionized areas and begins to strengthen the enamel. This is remineralization.
Who benefits the most?
Everyone can benefit from extra dental protection, but those who can especially benefit are people who:
- enjoy the snack
- they have poor dental hygiene
- have little or no access to a dentist
- follow diets that are high in sugars or carbohydrates
- they had done bridges, crowns, braces and other restorative procedures
- have a history of tooth decay or tooth decay;
Most public health authorities and medical associations worldwide recommend that children and adults get some fluoride to protect their teeth from tooth decay.
Small amounts of fluoride are unlikely to be dangerous.
Here is some data support fluoride use:
- From 2000 to 2004, 125 communities in 36 US states voted in favor of fluoridation.
- In the right amounts, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.
- It is similar to adding vitamins to food.
- Using fluoride in water to protect teeth reduces the need for expensive dental procedures.
- Over 100 national and international health and other organizations recognize the benefits of added fluoride.
Here are some arguments against use of, by IAOMT:
- Fluoride is a neurotoxin which, in high doses, can be harmful.
- Excessive exposure can lead to tooth discoloration and bone problems.
- There is already enough fluoride in the water without adding more.
- People have the right to choose whether or not to take medication.
- Different people need different amounts of substances like fluoride.
- Current levels of fluoride in water may not be safe.
- It can be harmful to the environment.
Controversy continues over whether or not it is a good idea to add fluoride to water.
In 2000, German researchers reported that
However, they called for further research into the reasons for this decline, which they said may be due to improved attitudes towards dental health and easier access to dental health products, compared to the years before fluoride was added.
They suggested that their findings may support the argument that tooth decay may continue to decline if the fluoride concentration is reduced from 1 part per million (ppm) to below 0.2 ppm.
How much fluoride is recommended?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) sets the optimal level of fluoride for tooth decay prevention in 0.7 ppm or 0.7 milligrams (mg) in every liter of water.
The previous rate, in effect from 1962 to 2015, was 0.7 to 1.2 ppm. In 2015 it was revised to the minimum.
The aim of this optimal level is to promote public health.
What does the WHO say?
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that long-term exposure to drinking water containing more than 1.5 ppm fluoride can lead to health problems. WHO
How much does the EPA allow?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to protect people from excessive exposure to toxic chemicals.
It defines it maximum allowable level at 4 ppm, and a secondary peak level at 2 ppm. People are urged to notify the EPA if levels are above 2 ppm. Levels above 4 ppm can be dangerous.
In areas where water naturally contains higher levels of fluoride, community water systems must ensure that the maximum level is no higher than 4 ppm.
As with any substance, excessive intake or exposure can be harmful.
It is important not to use fluoride supplements without first talking to a dentist.
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