Flouride Drinking Water - Helpful or Harmful?
Good strong teeth in a child is a priority to conscientious parents. Yet, in spite of the improvements in dental care in recent years, a quarter of two to five year olds and half of children 12-15 have had one or more cavities. Many feel that adding fluoride to public water is one way to curb the problem of tooth decay. Others strongly disagree.
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. We need to answer the question, do you need a flouride filter?
Consider these quotes: “It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay.” “Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20-40%.” These statements were made by a medical doctor. Here’s another: “For over 60 years, water fluoridation has proved to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental caries.”
The pro side claims that fluoride combats tooth decay in two ways. First, it becomes part of the structure of developing teeth. Second, it also works when it comes in contact with the surface of the teeth. Fluoride prevents 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.
Those on the other side of the debate claim that a greater quality of fluoride actually increases tooth decay. At least, they said, this is true: “. . . there is no difference in the tooth decay rates of the fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas surveyed.”
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.
What do they say about the studies that prove that fluoride is good for dental hygiene? The studies had several flaws. First, they did not consider the differences between “natural fluoride” (like CaF) and added fluoride (like NaF). Second, they did not consider the other minerals in the water and these could actually be the cause of decreased instances of tooth decay. Third, the studies lack statistical analysis. Fourth, dental fluorosis is the only safety experiment included.
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, Berkey Water Filters have 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 flouride, flouride drinking water, flouride in the water, flouride water
