Tag: Water fluoridation

According to a study published in the *Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry*, commercially available almond milks contain significantly more fluoride, on average, than traditional bovine milk. This finding surprises many, as the plant-based beverage is often assumed to be fluoride-free. The variation in fluoride content can be attributed to several key factors in the manufacturing process, particularly the water source used.

Excessive, long-term exposure to very high levels of fluoride can cause a serious bone disease called skeletal fluorosis, characterized by hardened, but weak bones and joint damage. However, the key distinction is the significant difference between a toxic level of exposure and the optimal, low levels found in most fluoridated water supplies and dental products.

While elemental fluorine is highly reactive and toxic, its ionic form, fluoride, is a naturally occurring mineral that is widely recognized for its significant role in dental public health. The question of whether the body truly needs fluorine, specifically as fluoride, is more complex than a simple yes or no answer and depends on maintaining an optimal intake for health benefits while avoiding adverse effects.

The element fluorine is the most reactive of all elements and a deadly gas in its pure, elemental form. This critical fact is often confused with its safer, ionic counterpart, and raises the question: Is it safe to eat fluorine? In no uncertain terms, consuming the element fluorine is extremely dangerous and potentially lethal due to its intense reactivity. The source of this confusion is the common use of fluoride, which is the stable ionic form of the element and is safe in regulated, low concentrations.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and various foods. Its well-known role in preventing dental cavities by strengthening tooth enamel has made it a common additive in drinking water and oral hygiene products, but it can be found in many surprising sources as well.

According to the NIH, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of fluoride for adults is 10 mg daily. Knowing what is the recommended limit of fluoride is crucial for balancing its benefits for dental health with the risks of overexposure.

Research consistently confirms fluoride's role in preventing tooth decay, a finding dating back to studies in the 1940s demonstrating significant reductions in cavities. This body of evidence shapes the modern understanding of what research says about fluoride, highlighting both well-established benefits and potential risks associated with exposure levels.

An estimated 12% of the U.S. population has low concentrations of urinary iodine, and with widespread exposure to fluoride, questions arise about their interaction. It is a common concern whether fluoride replaces iodine in the body, directly impacting essential thyroid function.

While elemental fluorine is a highly reactive and toxic gas, its ionic form, fluoride, has a well-established and important role in human health. Research shows that fluoride is not considered an essential nutrient for basic life but is highly beneficial for preventing the chronic disease of dental caries.

In many parts of the world, community water fluoridation is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. This process involves adding a specific mineral to tap water to provide a simple, cost-effective way to improve dental health across entire populations.