Uncovering The Truth About The Biggest Myths And Facts About Fluoride

You can find fluoride in all types of food and beverages and it provides you great health benefits. However, you may have come across controversies regarding fluoride and you may be questioning if it's actually safe for you and your family to consume.

Some of the biggest myths about fluoride include that it's toxic, it can actually cause more damage to teeth, it's not safe for children to use, and it can cause cancer and other health problems.

The truth is none of these statements are real. We'll explain what fluoride is, why it's important to your health, and why these myths are false.

‍

WHAT EXACTLY IS FLUORIDE?

First, fluoride is a mineral that you can find in not only food and water, but also soil, plants, rocks, and even the air. When we ingest food and drinks with fluoride, there are several health benefits, the most popular benefit being that it helps protect your teeth's enamel. Fluoride helps your teeth by rebuilding the enamel, reversing the early stages of tooth decay, and stops harmful bacteria from growing in your mouth.

You can now find fluoride in your tap water, as well as many dental products like toothpastes and mouth washes.

‍

MYTH 1: FLUORIDE IS TOXIC

Fluoride is only toxic if you ingest too much of it, just like many other things. While it is possible to expose yourself to too much fluoride, the chance of overexposure from dental products is very unlikely according to the World Health Organization.

People who live in regions located in East Africa and China are unfortunately more exposed to fluoride because of the naturally high levels found in groundwater. They are more at risk for developing side effects, such as skeletal fluorosis. This is a condition that causes stiffness and joint pain due to calcium building up around ligaments.

The reported cases of skeletal fluorosis are extremely rare in the United States, the most recent due to someone accidentally swallowing a large amount of toothpaste.

‍

MYTH 2: FLUORIDE CAUSES MORE DAMAGE TO TEETH

Again, when you expose yourself to too much fluoride, just like anything else there is going to be a negative side effect. Similar to skeletal fluorosis, there is also something called dental fluorosis. This happens when you ingest too much fluoride when your teeth are still developing under your gums. Signs of dental fluorosis include white spots on your teeth; sometimes you can't even really see them. Other than the white spots, this condition doesn't cause any other side effects.

This mostly affects children because their teeth are still coming in and they are more likely to accidentally swallow toothpaste. Just make sure to watch your child when they brush their teeth and make sure they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste.

‍

MYTH 3: FLUORIDE IS NOT SAFE FOR CHILDREN

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of 12-year-old children who had decaying teeth or missing teeth between the 1960s through the early 90s dropped significantly thanks to fluoridated water and fluoride toothpastes.

Fluoride is important to helping your child grow the healthy enamel needed to protect their teeth.

As previously shared, it's important to supervise children while they brush their teeth to avoid any accidental overexposure. The American Dental Association recommends that children under the age of three use a rice-size amount of toothpaste as soon as their teeth start coming in.

‍

MYTH 4: FLUORIDE CAUSES CANCER

Many reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Institute of Medicine all agree that fluoridated water and using fluoride dental products are safe.

There have been more than 3,200 studies that closely researched the use of fluoride and correlation to cancer or any other health problems. There has been no fact-based evidence to prove there is any connection. Actually, a 2011 Harvard study concluded there is absolutely no link between fluoride and bone cancer.

It is important that if you are unsure about using fluoride that you ask Dr. Sutton at Dapper Dental for guidance. Asking an expert is always a sure way to make sure you are choosing the healthiest option for you!