Fluoride Water – Helpful or Harmful?
Good strong teeth in a child is a priority to conscientious parents. Yet, in spite of the improved toothpastes and professional dental techniques and equipment, more than one quarter of 2- to 5-year-olds and half of kids 12 to 15 years old have one or more cavities, and tooth decay has affected two thirds of 16- to 19-year-olds. Many feel that adding fluoride to public water is one way to curb the problem of tooth decay. Others say it will do more harm than good.
Fluoride in various compounds may be found naturally in water. In fact, it is the 13th most common element in the Earth’s crust. The question is, when fluoride is not found naturally in water, should it be added? Studies have been made for decades and will continue. The purpose of this article is to consider both views and then present options. You need to know whether you need fluoride filters for your drinking water.
One side says, “Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20-40%.” “It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay.” These statements have the authority of a trained doctor. This one also: “For over 60 years, water fluoridation has proved to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental caries.”
Those favoring the addition of fluoride in water claim that its presence combats tooth decay in two ways. First, it strengthens the developing teeth. Second, it also aids the surface of the teeth by preventing the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque from dissolving, or demineralizing, tooth enamel. Fluoride also allows teeth damaged by acid to remineralize, or repair themselves. It won’t repair cavities, but it can reverse minor tooth decay and prevent new cavities from forming.
On the other hand we have quotes like this: “. . . there is no difference in the tooth decay rates of the fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas surveyed.” Indeed, some studies, they say, show that the more fluoride children ingest, the higher their risk of dental decay.
Too much fluoride during the years the teeth are developing can cause enamel fluorosis, a mottling or discoloration of the permanent teeth. To add fluoride to water, along with toothpaste and treatments can exceed the maximum level that is safe.
At times the studies have not considered the long range effects of fluoride. The con side says it has been directly linked to cancer, changes in bone structure and strength, has caused birth defects and perinatal deaths, has impaired the immune system, caused initial stages of skeletal fluorosis, caused osteoarthritis, inhibits key enzymes, suppresses thyroid function and several other adverse problems.
How do opponents answer to evidence mentioned above that fluoride is good for dental hygiene? They say the studies are flawed in several ways. First, the studies did not consider the fact that other minerals were in the water and they might have been the real factor in decreased instances of tooth decay. Second, they failed to differentiate between “natural fluoride” (like CaF) and added fluoride (like NaF). Third, the studies lacked statistical proof. Fourth, only dental fluorosis was included as safety experiments.
If you agree with the con side, what can you do if fluoride is added to your water? You could buy bottled water but this option has many drawbacks. Better, buy a water filter that promises to remove the fluoride. Some promise this optionally. For example, The Berkey Water Filter has an optional fluoride filter that can be attached to the regular gravity filter rods. There are ways to protect yourself from drinking fluoride in your water if you don’t want it.
Tags: dangers of fluoride, fluoride drinking water, fluoride in the water, fluoride water