Fluoride - Yes or No?

I was talking about a new toothpaste that just came out, that did not contain fluoride, sulfates or any other harmful ingredient. When I finished, I was asked the question, ‘what is wrong with fluoride? We used to take fluoride pills’.

The purpose of fluoride is supposed to be to prevent the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque from dissolving, or demineralizing, tooth enamel, the hard and shiny substance that protects the teeth. Fluoride also allows teeth damaged by acid to repair, or remineralize, themselves. Fluoride cannot repair cavities, but it can reverse low levels of tooth decay and thus prevent new cavities from forming.

I too grew up thinking that we must use fluoride to strengthen our teeth and prevent cavities. Over 95% of the toothpaste sold in the U.S. contains fluoride. But then we started hearing that using fluoride, particularly during early childhood can present health risks.

Did you ever wonder why there is a poison warning on the back of your toothpaste?

The warning on fluoride toothpaste sold in the U.S. states: “Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately."

The FDA requires this warning because children who swallow too much fluoride toothpaste can suffer acute poisoning, even death.

Some of the risks from ingesting fluoride toothpaste include:
• Permanent Tooth Discoloration (Dental Fluorosis)
• Stomach Ailments
• Acute toxicity
• Skin Rashes (perioral dermatitis)
• Impairment in Glucose Metabolism

Dental Fluorosis has gone from 10% in 1950 to 41% national average in 12-15 year olds. Check your children's teeth for white spots, white streak, cloudy splotches, brown stains or pitting. If you start seeing this, it could mean you child has dental fluorosis. Dental Fluorosis can occur during the first 8 years of a child's life if there is too much fluoride intake. The damage done to the enamel is permanent but can be cosmetically treated.

Fluorosis is not only caused by the ingestion of fluoride toothpaste but also fluoride in the water and consumption of processed foods made with fluoridated water.

99% of western continental Europe has rejected, banned, or stopped fluoridation due to environmental, health, legal, or ethical concerns. Once again, the U.S. lags behind Europe when it comes to your health and safety.

We all need to be informed consumers. It is becoming more apparent that you can no longer just assume that what is on the shelf is safe for you to use or eat!



Find Me on Facebook