The Fluoride Debate - A Naturopathic View on fluroide in drinking water

The Fluoride Debate

Fluoride has been added to town water supplies in Australia for health reasons since the 1960s.

But questions are increasingly being asked about the safety and consequences of what some have called ‘mass medication’.

Fluoridation of water supplies began internationally in 1945 in an effort to improve oral health and reduce the risk of cavities. 

While this practice continues to receive acclaim from bodies like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for its contribution to improved oral hygiene and significant reduction in cavity prevalence1, new research has raised concerns about the potential side effects of water fluoridation. 

Notably, the increasing incidence of fluorosis, a condition that in its mild form causes spots or stripes to form on the surface of teeth2 in young children and in more serious cases can lead to bone calcification and other adverse physiological conditions2, has driven calls to review the levels of fluoride in community water supplies.

The case for fluorosis has been successful in encouraging organisations like the ADA and CDC to propose changes to their recommendations3 on safe levels of fluoride in water supplies. While research investigating the link between increased fluoride exposure and reduced IQ among children4 has produced further debate around the practice of fluoridation. 

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a substance that occurs naturally in soil, water, and many foods, however it is also produced synthetically for use in drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwash and many other chemical and household products, like Teflon cookwarnin ikv kne.

Worldwide, ,x,;l l 350 million people, or just 5% of the global population, drink artificially fluoridated water supplies and Australia was, as of 2014, one of just 12 countries that have over 50% of the water supply artificially fluoridated2.

Why is Fluoride Added to Water Supplies?

In Australia and throughout the world, fluoride is added to water supplies in an effort to prevent tooth decay, and more specifically dental caries, especially in young children.

However, research findings demonstrate the benefits to the reduction of dental caries are modest at best2, and could be significantly outweighed by the risks of cognitive impairment, hypothyroidism, and dental and skeletal fluorosis that comes with excessive fluoride ingestion.   

The Case Against Fluoridation

Fluoride is the most available form of fluorine, which is one of the trace elements necessary for good health. It has many physiological functions, and is necessary for normal metabolism. 

However, excessive and artificial fluoride ingestion has paradoxical effects on the body. 

Studies have shown the tissue and organs of humans and other animals appear to suffer different degrees of damage5, after long‐term direct or indirect exposure to fluoride at levels which surpass what is required to meet physiological demand.

While increasing incidence of fluorosis has prompted a review into the practice of water fluoridation, it is the research into the potential risks to the intelligence and development of children that highlights the severity of prolonged exposure.

A recent Washington Post article1 considers the outcome of a well-received study into the links between prenatal fluoride ingestion and reduced intelligence in children, and while compelling, a sex-based disparity in these results raises skepticism among researchers. 

However, further academic inquiry has considered the overall impact of fluoride exposure on children and alleges substantive links between the consumption of fluoridated water and reduced IQ4.   

Given research has revealed the modest benefits of ingested fluoride in the prevention of caries2, the value of this practice is certainly questionable given the established and diverse adverse impacts water fluoridation can pose to human wellbeing.

One of the key concerns surrounding water fluoridation is driven by the inability to control the dose an individual ingests2, therefore undermining the assurance of safe exposure to a demonstrably harmful substance. 

 

How to Reduce your Fluoride Intake

Research into the potential harm posed by excessive exposure to fluoride emphasises the modest and inconsistent benefits it may deliver for dental health. 

 

Health policy in this space requires a broader commitment to the delivery of accessible dental care and nutrition, in order to proactively foster healthy teeth and gums. 

 

Given the paradoxical harm artificial fluoridation can pose, especially for infants, people are taking steps to reduce the amount of fluoride they consume in their everyday lives.

 

Some ways to reduce or minimise your fluoride intake include:

  • Use a water filter when drinking tap water or water purification system6

  • Avoid swallowing toothpaste or use a non-fluoridated toothpaste 

  • Avoid fluoride gel treatments when visiting the dentist

  • Eat less processed food and more fresh, organic food

  • Avoid cooking with non-stick pans

  • Avoid drinking black or red tea, as the leaves naturally contain high amounts of fluorine

Water purification is one of the easiest transitions you can make to reduce your exposure to fluoride.

 

Zazen Alkaline Water Systems boast a range of benefits that improve the quality of your water, most notably reducing fluoride traces by up to 90%6. 

 

While debate for and against water fluoridation continues, steps like water purification can restore a sense of informed autonomy and choice in the health of you and your loved ones. 

 Click here to learn more about the Zazen Alkaline Water Filter

References:

  1. Guarino, B 2019, ‘Study raises questions about fluoride and children’s IQ’, Washington Post, 20 August, retrieved 26 August 2019, <https://beta.washingtonpost.com/science/2019/08/19/study-raises-questions-about-fluoride-childrens-iq/?fbclid=IwAR1q5fdPQGvnQ2GU7aCuDjsEO-JT69KbcqpTDqZVhSijIJ5wWGfGGygAobA&noredirect=on>.

  2. Peckham, S & Awofeso, N 2014, ‘Water Fluoridation: A Critical Review of the Physiological Effects of Ingested Fluoride as a Public Health Intervention’,The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, pp. 2-7, <http://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2014/293019.pdf>.

  3. Carey, C 2014, ‘Focus on fluorides: update on the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries’, Pubmed.gov, vol. 14, pp. 1-16, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058575/pdf/nihms567939.pdf>.

  4. Duan, Q, Jiao, J, Chen, X & Wang, X 2018, ‘Association between water fluoride and the level of children's intelligence: a dose-response meta-analysis’, Public Health, vol. 154, pp. 87-97, <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033350617302950?via%3Dihub>

  5. Wei, W, Pang, S & Sun, D 2019,‘The pathogenesis of endemic fluorosis: Research progress in the last 5 years’, Wiley Review, pp. 2333-2342, <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jcmm.14185>.

  6. Zazen Water 2019, Zazen Alkaline Water System, Zazen Water, retrieved 26 August 2019, <https://www.zazenalkalinewater.com.au/product/zazen-alkaline-water-system/>.

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