You’ve probably heard of fluoride. Not only is it added to our toothpaste and mouthwash, but it’s also added to our drinking water. The average American is exposed to fluoride throughout the day. There has been much debate about whether this is a good idea. Here are some of the facts.
Fluoride, like chlorine, is part of the Halogen group of gasses. It can form compounds with other elements; therefore, the fluoride added to our drinking water is in the form of fluoride salts, such as sodium fluoride.
Fluoride is added to our dental products and drinking water because it combines with the calcium in our teeth to make them harder and more resistant to tooth decay. While this seems to work well in the short term and may even help people who can’t afford the dentist, long-term fluoride exposure has been linked with many health problems. Here are some of them:
* Dental fluorosis: Prolonged exposure to high fluoride levels during childhood can cause dental fluorosis, which causes white spots, streaks, or pitting on the teeth. Severe cases of dental fluorosis can cause brown stains and surface irregularities on the teeth.
* Skeletal fluorosis: Long-term exposure to high fluoride levels can cause skeletal fluorosis, which affects the bones and joints. Symptoms of skeletal fluorosis include joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility, spinal cord compression, and other bone and joint problems.
* Neurological effects: Some studies have suggested that high fluoride levels in drinking water may be associated with cognitive and developmental problems, such as reduced IQ scores and impaired neurological development in children.
* Thyroid problems: Some research has also suggested that high fluoride levels in drinking water may be associated with thyroid problems, including hypothyroidism and an increased risk of goiter.
Over 70% of the U.S. population served by public water systems is estimated to receive fluoridated water. Some areas in the U.S. that are known to have higher levels of fluoride added to their drinking water due to artificial fluoridation programs include:
1. Some parts of the Midwest and Northeast: States such as Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, and Massachusetts have a relatively high percentage of their population receiving fluoridated water.
2. Western states with fluoridation programs: Some communities in states like California, Oregon, and Washington also have fluoridation programs.
3. Urban and suburban areas: Fluoridation programs are more commonly implemented in urban and suburban areas compared to rural areas in the U.S. Cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia have fluoridation programs in place.
Parts of Texas, Colorado, and South Dakota, have been reported to have higher prevalence rates of dental and skeletal fluorosis. This has to do with the naturally occurring fluoride in those states. Those areas should also be concerned about neurological damage caused by fluoride.
Some studies have suggested that fluoride may interfere with various biochemical and physiological processes in the brain, potentially leading to neurological effects. For example, animal studies have shown that high levels of fluoride can accumulate in the brain and may affect neurotransmitter levels, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, which could contribute to neurological problems and even lower IQ.
Children are particularly vulnerable to over-exposure to fluoride because their brains are still developing.
Did you know removing fluoride from your drinking water is as simple as getting an alkaline water ionizer? The multi-stage water filters will remove 99.99% of fluoride, keeping you and your family safe!
