What are the risks associated with ingesting fluoride?

So we have found that fluoride is largely ineffective at fighting dental cavities. Unfortunately for us, that is not where the problem lies. The issue causing most worry is what impacts it is having on our bodies.

Bones

Fluoride is known to have a negative effect on the bone building process. Fluoride builds up over time inside the bones, and causes arthritis and brittle bones, more prone to fracture. This is especially true in young children at critical points in their bone and tooth development.

32% of American children are seen to have been overexposed to fluoride as they show the tell-tale sign of mottled teeth. While it is argued that this is simply cosmetic, it is a clear indicator of what is happening unseen within their bones.

Neurological Development

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

A review of brain studies has found that one of the negative affects of fluoride exposure on children is damage to their neurological development. The study conducted by Harvard stated that children who lived in high-fluoride areas had “significantly lower IQ than those in low fluoride areas. The results support the possibility of an adverse effect of high fluoride exposure on children’s neurodevelopment.”

Thyroid

Fluoride has also been connected to reduced thyroid function, especially in women. This results in many symptoms, including a lower body temperature, dry skin and a tendency to suffer with constipation.

Fluoride and baby formula

It is particularly important to take heed of this information when using tap water to make baby formula.

How can we avoid ingesting fluoride?

It is very simple for the government to stop adding fluoride to our water supplies, as simple as turning off a tap. Once it is in the water it is not easy to remove, in fact the majority of filtration systems will not remove it.