Should We be Concerned About Our Fluoride Intake?

So, why is the United States thinking about banning something that is widely considered to be safe and beneficial to health?

Many of us enjoy strong teeth and few cavities due to the presence of fluoride in our drinking water. While this chemical is recommended by most dentists, too much of a good thing has the potential to cause some problems.

In this guide, we’re looking at some of the misconceptions and misinformation surrounding fluoride use in drinking water. We’ll also look at the potential risks of high fluoride exposure and how parents can protect their children.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral found in water, soil, rocks, and some foods. It is found naturally in the body and it helps to strengthen bones and teeth. It is essential in the formation of tooth enamel, which is the main line of defence against tooth decay.

Fluoride is added to drinking water in some places around the world, including the United States, Canada, Ireland, Chile and Australia. Some utility companies in the UK add fluoride to drinking water while others don’t. This means that around 14% of the UK has access to fluoridated water.

Toothpaste and mouthwash is another source of fluoride. Dentists recommend choosing dental care products containing fluoride as these are beneficial for dental health.

What are the potential problems with fluoride?

Exposure to too much fluoride when the teeth are developing can lead to a condition known as fluorosis. This leads to spots, stripes or streaks of white discolouration on the teeth. This cannot be addressed with teeth whitening treatments, which makes it difficult to manage.

Fluoride has also been linked to thyroid problems, as it can build up in the parathyroid gland and lead to hyperparathyroidism. This can lead to lower levels of calcium in the bones and higher levels in the blood, which could make bones more susceptible to fractures.

One study carried out in Mexico looked at health outcomes for children when their mothers had been exposed to varying levels of fluoride during pregnancy. The results, published in 2017, found that high fluoride levels were linked to lower IQ levels later in life.

Exposure to very high levels of fluoride is linked to fluoride poisoning, but this is unlikely to happen from drinking water and would be more likely to be a chemical leak. Symptoms of fluoride poisoning include vomiting and muscle spasms.

Why are some countries banning fluoridation?

Lawmakers in the United States are discussing the possibility of a ban on fluoridation of drinking water. At present, around 44% of the population has access to fluoride in their drinking water.

The administration is proposing banning the mineral from drinking water due to the perceived link between health problems including “arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.” These risks might sound scary, but it is usually only a risk at very high levels of exposure, not the levels found in drinking water.

How can parents protect children?

If you are concerned about fluoride, the best thing to do would be to speak to your dentist. They can offer medical advice on the risks associated with exposure to this mineral. This can help to put you at ease, particularly during pregnancy.

Children can be protected against high levels of fluoride by supervising them while they are brushing. This will prevent them from using too much toothpaste. You should also make sure they spit out their toothpaste instead of swallowing. This is important if your child has a tasty toothpaste that might be more tempting.