Is Fluoride Truly an Affordable Dental Remedy?

By Susan Braden
Published Jun 08 2010

Over 50% of the United States has fluoridated drinking water. Some consider fluoride to be an affordable dental solution for reducing decay in our mouths. However, growing concern is mounting about its adverse affects – especially when flushed into our drinking water. Two lingering questions arise about this chemical: where does it come from, and what are the long-term effects of ingesting it? Is this chemical truly an affordable dental solution?

Where does this chemical come from?

Many do not realize it, but fluoride is actually toxic waste. Do you know that fluoride is an emission of fertilizer and metal factories? Instead of paying to safely get rid of fluoride, these factories can sell fluoride to water companies! Not only is this fact disturbing to many people, but it also may suggest that a conflict of interest is at play between the government’s search for affordable waste disposal and its protection of public health.

What are the effects of ingesting it?

Because of the lack of definitive research regarding the effects of fluoride in drinking water, a clear position is difficult to substantiate. Dentists are divided in opinion regarding the health benefits of fluoridated water. The few studies conducted by the ADA are small, concentrated studies that could be exaggerating statistics to support the benefits of fluoridated water. However, the largest study of fluoride intake, conducted by the National Institute of Dental Research, examined the effects of fluoride in 39,000 children and showed no significant differences in tooth decay levels between children who drank fluoridated water and those who drank non-fluoridated water.

However, other studies have proven a relationship between fluoridated water, osteoporosis, and lower IQ levels. When fluoride is ingested, our bodies filter out about half of it and deposits the rest on our bones. As these deposits build up over time, your risk for osteoporosis also rises. Fluoride has also been connected with an increase in a form of bone cancer in young males because of the way it interacts with the hormone testosterone in its relationship to bone development. In China, a study linked fluoridated water to lower IQ levels among children with dental fluorosis– a permanent discoloration of the teeth.
Are some types of fluoride safe?

Since fluoride is a toxic waste, and the current solution to disposing of said waste is apparently to flush it into our drinking water, you may have good reason to be concerned. However, topical fluoride treatment through toothpaste, mouthwash or dentist visits has been proven to produce beneficial results. Topical treatment reduces cavities and helps preserve enamel. However, when you swallow any type of fluoride, you could be most at risk.

How can I protect my children?

If you are raising babies or toddlers, be sure to use an affordable, non-fluoridated toothpaste on their mouths, and avoid giving them tap water, for young children who swallow fluoride can be at risk. While they learn to brush, supervise them, and help them learn not to swallow the toothpaste. Also, find out if your tap water is fluoridated. If it is, you can purchase bottled water or jugs of water without fluoride, and you may want to purchase a reverse osmosis system or distilled water filter.

These concerns cause many to question whether fluoridated water is truly an affordable dental remedy for reducing decay, and if fluoride’s health risks outweigh its potential oral benefits. If you are worried about the fluoride content of your city’s water, you may want to speak to your city officials and to your dentist.

For more affordable dental tips from Susan, click here.