06/06/2022
Fluoride - a natural part of mineral rich water.
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water and some foods. It has been found to strengthen tooth enamel to prevent decay caused by bacteria.
Fluoride is added to community drinking water to increase the concentration to a recommended level through a process called fluoridation. Fluoride is also found in dental health products, beverages, food, some dietary supplements, and medications.
Fluoridation has been used in the U.S. for over 75 years. Roughly 63% of the U.S. population currently receives fluoridated community water, which is highly effective in preventing tooth decay. Children in areas with fluoridated water have been found to have, on average, two fewer decayed teeth than children in areas without it. In adults, a recent systematic review found that fluoridation resulted in a roughly 25% reduction in tooth decay.
Fluoridation has been used in the U.S. for over 75 years and is considered by the CDC to be one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century. While there are many myths associated with fluoride, these are in fact, myths, and we will be address those in detail in part 2!
But very quickly:
Fluoride is NOT toxic at the levels we are exposed to – remember: the dose makes the poison!
Fluoride does not damage teeth – quite the opposite: fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride absolutely does NOT cause cancer. There is over 50 years of research to support this.
Fluoride does NOT lower someone’s IQ.
And: fluoridation of water is a very cost-effective method to help protect teeth. Every dollar invested in fluoridation prevents $38 in dental treatment per person.
Remember: preventive healthcare ensures we can avoid medical issues before they arise: fluoride does that for our teeth. The data demonstrate that fluoride is indeed safe and effective at protecting our dental health.
Sources:
https://dpbh.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dpbhnvgov/content/Programs/OH/Fluoridation_and_Fluorides/Myths-Facts.pdf
https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/fluoride-in-water/fluoridation-faqs
https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/dental_fluorosis/index.htm
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/fluoridated-water-fact-sheet
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Fluoride-HealthProfessional/
https://www.thenationshealth.org/content/41/5/1.3
7. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/basics/anniversary.htm
8. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/about-fluoride.html #:~:text=The%20primary%20sources%20for%20fluoride,other%20professional%20dental%20products%20(e.g.%2C
9. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Fluoride-HealthProfessional/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35446163/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28404475/
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6293551/
13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17452559/
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4547570/
15. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/statistics/2018stats.htm
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/sites/default/files/assets/Oral-Health-Caries-Community-Water-Fluoridation.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-report-confirms-fluoridation-can-reduce-tooth-decay-among-children
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1060471/water-fluoridation-health-monitoring-report-2022.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.html #:~:text=Drinking%20fluoridated%20water%20keeps%20teeth,the%20US%20health%20care%20system.