There has been a controversy that has risen regarding fluorides’ affect on health, including problems with bones, teeth and neurological problems. These health issues only happen when there is an excessive exposure to fluoride. These problems WILL NOT RESULT IN THE SMALL DOSE IN DRINKING WATER OR TOOTHPASTE. This will only happen in cases of accidental contamination of drinking water due to an industrial fire or explosion. 

 

Dental fluorosis– exposure to high concentrations of fluoride during childhood, where teeth are developing, can result in mild dental fluorosis. There will be tiny white streaks or specs in the enamel of the tooth. This does not affect the health or the teeth but discoloration can be noticeable.  Do not use fluoride on children under 6 years of age. Children under 6 should use mouthwash, toothpaste free of fluoride. 

 

Skeletal Fluorosis– Excessive exposure to fluoride can lead to a bone disease known as skeletal fluorisis. Over many years, this can result in pain and damage to the bones and joints. The bones my become hardened and less elastic, increasing the risk of fractures. If the bones thicken and bone tissue accumulates, this can contribute to impaired joint mobility. 

 

Thyroid problems. Some cases, excessive fluoride can damage parathyroid gland. This can result and hyperparathyroidism, which affects hormones in the body. This can result in a depletion of calcium in the blood. Lower calcium concentrations in the bones make them more susceptible to fractures. 

 

Neurological Problems. in 2017 there was a report published that flurodie before birth coul dlead to poorer cognitive outcomes in the future. 

 

There was a study that assessed 500 mothers and their children from 6 cities in Canada. The researchers estimated that the mothers fluoride exposure when pregnant and then looked at whether it was linked with the child’s IQ when they reached 3 to 4 years old. 

 

 The researchers found a 1mg increase in the mother’s estimated daily intake of fluoride through drinking water. When the children were 3 or 4, the boys had lower IQ scores than the children of the mothers who had lower levels of fluroide. There was no statistical association with the girls based on the mothers’ urine tests. 

 

 Problems with the Study The study’s methodology was called into question. The difference in IQ levels was not statistically significant when the whole population was considered. This includes both boys and girls. 

 

A small study cannot prove that maternal fluoride exposure in pregnancy directly affected the child’s IQ. The results may be being influenced by many hereditary, lifestyle and environmental factors. There is no evidence that it affects the fetal brain development. Ferne Kraglund, a public health dentist and assistant dean at Dalhousie University in Halifax stand by the guidelines. “Pregnant mothers should not decrease their intake of fluoride. They need it to maintain their oral health, which is linked to the health of their newborn babies.”

 

 

 

According to the American Dental Association, it has benefits when added to drinking water because:

• it reduces tooth decay by 20 to 40 percent
• protects against cavities
• is safe and effective
• saves money on dental treatments
• is natural 

Studies showing that adding fluoride to water supports dental health

 

A Cochrane review published in 2015 found that when fluoride was added to the water:

• children had 35 percent fewer decayed, missing or filled baby teeth
• there was a 15 percent increase in children with no decay in their baby teeth
• the proportion of children with no decay in their permanent teeth rose by 14 percent. 

How Fluoride Works

• It changes the structure of the developing enamel in children under the age of 7 years old so it is more resistant to acids
• It provides an environment where better quality enamel is formed, which is more resilient to acid
• It reduces the ability of bacteria in plaque to produce acid. 

 

Remineralization. If acid has already caused some damage to teeth, fluoride accumulates in the demineralized areas and begins strengthening the enamel. 

 

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