When Does Fluoride Become Excessive?
When Does Fluoride Become Excessive?
August 1, 2007
Q: Why do some people complain about fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste? I thought it was beneficial for dental health.
A: Supporters of fluoridation cite research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that the very inexpensive fluoridation of drinking water has since correlated to significant reductions in incidences of tooth decay (15 percent to 40 percent) in communities across the country.
But skeptics worry we may be getting too much of a good thing. While small amounts of fluoride will prevent tooth decay, excessive amounts can lead not only to irreversible tooth discoloration (today called "fluorosis") but also to other health issues, including an increased risk of bone breakage and osteoporosis.
The problem, says Fluoride Action Network - which is opposed to fluoridation - is that the very water supplies that are treated for dental purposes are also used in the making of many common food products - from baby formula and cereal to juices, sodas, wines, beers and even fresh produce. And with most toothpastes also adding fluoride, many people are ingesting far more fluoride than they should.
The main concern for most people is the discoloration of children's second teeth once the baby teeth are gone. Besides being embarrassing, there is no cure. And FAN cites studies showing how low-to-moderate doses of fluoride can lead to eczema, reduced thyroid activity, hyperactivity, IQ deficits, premature puberty and even bone cancer.
On the other side of the debate, concerns have risen that our increased reliance on non-fluoridated bottled water instead of tap water may be leading to increases in tooth decay.
Avoiding fluoride is difficult for those whose local water is fluoridated. And the only filters that can strain fluoride out of water are expensive ones that employ reverse osmosis, activated alumina or distillation.
- Emagazine.com / McClatchy-Tribune News Service
August 1, 2007
Q: Why do some people complain about fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste? I thought it was beneficial for dental health.
A: Supporters of fluoridation cite research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that the very inexpensive fluoridation of drinking water has since correlated to significant reductions in incidences of tooth decay (15 percent to 40 percent) in communities across the country.
But skeptics worry we may be getting too much of a good thing. While small amounts of fluoride will prevent tooth decay, excessive amounts can lead not only to irreversible tooth discoloration (today called "fluorosis") but also to other health issues, including an increased risk of bone breakage and osteoporosis.
The problem, says Fluoride Action Network - which is opposed to fluoridation - is that the very water supplies that are treated for dental purposes are also used in the making of many common food products - from baby formula and cereal to juices, sodas, wines, beers and even fresh produce. And with most toothpastes also adding fluoride, many people are ingesting far more fluoride than they should.
The main concern for most people is the discoloration of children's second teeth once the baby teeth are gone. Besides being embarrassing, there is no cure. And FAN cites studies showing how low-to-moderate doses of fluoride can lead to eczema, reduced thyroid activity, hyperactivity, IQ deficits, premature puberty and even bone cancer.
On the other side of the debate, concerns have risen that our increased reliance on non-fluoridated bottled water instead of tap water may be leading to increases in tooth decay.
Avoiding fluoride is difficult for those whose local water is fluoridated. And the only filters that can strain fluoride out of water are expensive ones that employ reverse osmosis, activated alumina or distillation.
- Emagazine.com / McClatchy-Tribune News Service
posted by Bill at
9:33 AM
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