According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the amount of fluoride you need depends on your body mass (weight). Children typically need 0.5mg (500mcg) per day, while adults need 3-4mg (3000-4000mcg) of fluoride each day. (2) For the adequate intake (AI) calculations below, a value of 4mg (4000mcg) is used.
Since consuming too much fluoride can have ill health effects, the NLM sets the upper limit at 10mg, or 10,000mcg. (2) This is just 2.5 times the adequate intake.
The Studies Don’t Support the Benefits of Fluoride
The scientific and medical community has spent considerable time researching and studying fluoride. Over the years, there has been very little evidence supporting the use of fluoride. That means given the results of the research studies, there is currently not enough evidence to suggest using fluoride enhanced toothpastes and mouthwashes or undergoing fluoride treatment is beneficial.
Considering there is no conclusive evidence that suggests fluoride is beneficial, we believe it is best to not use it. Why put an unknown chemical component in your body if it provides no benefit to you?
Potential Health Problems that can be Linked to Ingesting Too Much Fluoride
Exposure to a tiny bit of fluoride probably won’t cause harmful, lasting effects.
Unfortunately, ingesting or exposing yourself to too much fluoride can cause numerous health problems.
Some of the problems that have been linked to ingesting or being exposed to too much fluoride include:
Arthritis
Increased risk of bone fractures
Cancer
Brain damage
Impairment in learning
Memory problems
Neurobehavioral deficits
High blood pressure
Arterial calcification
Increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes
Increased risk of developing peripheral arterial disease
Diabetes
Hypersensitivity
Kidney disease
Skeletal fluorosis
Thyroid disease
Issues with male fertility
Endocrine disruption
Increased risk of developing GI disorders
Fluoride-free toothpastes are everywhere and are very inexpensive as to the price of your health
Here are 12 reasons to NOT use fluoride:
Why shouldn't you use fluoride toothpaste?
The mineral's greatest controversy is the fact that it's considered a “pre-toxic” substance. This means that even in small doses, it has the ability to damage cells.
Why is fluoride not recommended?
Fluoride is a neurotoxin which, in high doses, can be harmful. Excessive exposure can lead to tooth discoloration and bone problems. There is enough fluoride in the water already, without adding more. People have the right to choose whether or not they take medications.
Does the FDA consider fluoride a drug?
Similarly, ingredients can cause a product to be considered a drug because they have a well-known therapeutic use. For example, fluoride in toothpaste is considered a drug.
What does fluoride do to your pineal gland?
In 2006, a National Research Council report concluded that fluoride is likely to affect pineal gland function and cause decreased melatonin production which could contribute to a variety of effects in humans
What organ does fluoride affect?
While fluoride exposure in animals and adults has been associated with kidney and liver toxicity, this study examined potential effects of chronic low-level exposure among youth.
Is fluoride banned in Canada?
In Canada, Brantford, Ontario was the first community to fluoridate their water supply in 1945. Water treatment is the responsibility of the municipal governments but is regulated by federal and provincial governments. Therefore, communities across Canada have the choice of whether to fluoridate their water.
Why people want fluoride-free toothpaste?
Some people may have a sensitivity or allergy to fluoride, prompting them to seek alternatives. Additionally, some people might opt for fluoride-free toothpaste to prevent the risk of fluorosis, especially if they are already receiving fluoride from other sources like water or supplements.
What states do not add fluoride to water?
Hawaii is the only state that bans fluoridation; most others leave it to individual water systems or localities.
Why is fluoridation banned in Europe?
All other treatment chemicals are added to treat the water (i.e. to improve the water's quality and safety - which fluoride does not do). This is one of the reasons why much of Europe has rejected fluoridation.
Avoiding fluoride can be difficult. It seems to be almost everywhere from the water you drink to toothpaste and mouthwashes. There are options available to you if you are trying to avoid fluoride, such as drinking filtered or bottled water and purchasing all natural non-fluoride enhanced toothpaste, but it can be hard to avoid as it really is almost everywhere.
Given how much fluoride is found in our day-to-day lives, we figure that it is best to limit the amount of exposure our patients have to fluoride. That is why we do not offer fluoride treatments, we use clean non-fluoride water, and all our dental treatments are fluoride-free. This eliminates the risk you may have of experiencing health problems from ingesting or being exposed to too much fluoride.
There is even a movie talking about it that came out in 2015. Click on Picture.
Fluoride is generally considered safe when used in recommended amounts, but consuming excessive fluoride, especially during tooth development in children, can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis, causing white spots or streaks on the teeth; in very high levels, it can also contribute to skeletal fluorosis, a condition where fluoride builds up in the bones causing joint pain and weakness, though this is extremely rare with standard levels of fluoride in water supplies.
Key points about fluoride and its potential negative effects:
Dental fluorosis:
The primary concern with excessive fluoride is dental fluorosis, which mainly affects children during tooth development and appears as white spots or streaks on the teeth; mild cases are usually cosmetic, while severe cases can be more noticeable.
Skeletal fluorosis:
Consuming extremely high levels of fluoride over a long period can lead to skeletal fluorosis, a condition where fluoride accumulates in bones causing joint pain, stiffness, and potential bone fractures.
Dosage is key:
The risk of negative effects from fluoride is primarily associated with consuming significantly higher amounts than recommended through toothpaste or fluoridated water.
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