Fluoride

Uh-oh

My teeth are showing effects of dental fluorosis (getting spotted and mottled).

What is it?

Fluoride is the reduced form of the element fluorine.

Where does it come from?

Many countries add fluoride to the public water supply as a means to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay. The idea behind water fluoridation came from studies in 1945 that found less tooth decay in children where higher levels of fluoride occurred naturally in the water.

What are the associated risks/issues?

Although fluoride is indeed effective in reducing tooth decay, there are negative effects associated with the ingestion of fluoride. A simple Google search will return many articles on its drawbacks. The main risks include:

• Dental fluorosis
• IQ deficits
• Reduced thyroid activity, which can lead to loss of mental acuity, depression, and weight gain
• Diminishing bone strength and increased risk of bone fracture
• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
• Heightened susceptibility to fluoride toxicity for people with kidney disease

The consensus seems to be that fluoride's benefits come from topical contact with teeth (e.g. in toothpaste), and should not be swallowed. Professional organizations, like the American Dental Association, have also advised that fluoridated drinking water is not recommended for babies. Babies exposed to fluoride are at high risk of developing dental fluorosis. [DEFINE: A permanent tooth defect caused by fluoride damaging the cells which form the teeth; a visible indicator of over-exposure to fluoride during childhood.)

Recommended treatments

Reverse osmosis

Distillation