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| - Last Updated on August 27, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A Facebook video claims that fluoride is harmful to our bodies. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
We came across a Facebook video which claims that fluoride is harmful for humans. It alleges that fluoride in toothpastes and water is a conspiracy theory by the government.
Fact Check
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in water and certain foods, originating from minerals in the Earth’s crust. It’s also manufactured for use in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Public health initiatives carefully add fluoride to community water supplies to enhance dental health. Fluoride interacts with tooth enamel, strengthening it against acid attacks that cause decay, a process known as remineralization. Research confirms fluoride’s role in reducing cavities in populations, supporting its widespread use in oral care products and water treatment.
Is fluoride toxic to humans?
No, fluoride is safe for humans at the levels commonly found in drinking water and dental products. Health authorities monitor fluoride safety worldwide, carefully controlling the amount added to community water supplies to ensure it remains within safe limits. Excessive intake of fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, which may lead to discoloration of tooth enamel. But this occurs only at much higher levels than those used in water fluoridation or dental care products. Dental fluorosis is usually cosmetic and does not affect dental function or health. Numerous scientific studies confirm that the benefits of fluoride in preventing tooth decay far outweigh any potential risks. Fluoride is widely recognised as essential for improving oral health globally.
Does fluoride really not belong in our bodies?
Well, yes it does. Fluoride plays an important role in maintaining dental health by integrating into tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to decay caused by acid attacks. Community water fluoridation and fluoride-containing dental products are essential in preventing dental caries across populations. It’s important to note that toothpastes usually contain fluoride at approved levels which are safe and effective for daily use. Moreover, fluoride is generally safe and beneficial. But excessive intake, particularly during tooth development in children, can lead to dental fluorosis—a condition marked by enamel discoloration and texture changes. Severe fluorosis is rare and generally results from significantly high fluoride exposure at a young age.
Social media post also claim that one should not use fluoride as it is ineffective and toxic.
What does a dentist say?
Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS, Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, shares her opinion, “Fluoride actually becomes part of our tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to decay caused by acids. This is why fluoride in toothpaste and in our water supply helps prevent cavities for people everywhere. It’s reassuring to know that toothpastes have just the right amount of fluoride, carefully chosen to be safe and effective for daily brushing. While fluoride is generally good for our teeth, using too much, especially when kids are undergoing tooth development, can sometimes lead to a condition called dental fluorosis. It’s rare and mostly happens from excessive fluoride at a young age, causing some changes in the colour and texture of the enamel.”
What does a general physician say?
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, a General Physician, at Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, says, “Even though fluoride is beneficial for dental health, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects. Acute fluoride toxicity is rare and usually occurs from accidental ingestion of large amounts of fluoride-containing products. Chronic overexposure to fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, particularly in children during tooth development. However, this occurs at levels much higher than those generally encountered in daily life. For most people, the benefits of fluoride in preventing cavities outweigh any potential risks when used properly.”
Does the human body need fluoride?
Yes, fluoride is important for keeping our teeth healthy. It strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay caused by acids from bacteria in our mouths. Fluoride also helps to replenish minerals in the enamel, which prevents cavities.
It’s especially beneficial for kids and teenagers as their teeth develop, ensuring they grow strong and resilient to decay. Although fluoride isn’t necessary for overall body health like calcium or iron, it plays a key role in dental health by protecting against tooth decay when used correctly.
Adding fluoride to community water supplies is a widely supported public health practice endorsed by organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Dental Association (ADA). This helps to improve dental health for everyone, regardless of income, by providing a consistent source of fluoride.
What are the benefits of fluoride?
The inclusion of fluoride in community water supplies and dental products has been extensively researched and endorsed by health organisations globally. The benefits include:
- Prevention of Tooth Decay: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay caused by acid and bacteria.
- Community Water Fluoridation: This public health measure is cost-effective and reaches entire populations, reducing dental caries rates across different socioeconomic groups.
- Safe and Effective: When used in recommended amounts, fluoride provides significant dental health benefits without posing a health risk to individuals.
What are the harms of excess fluoride?
Fluoride is generally safe when used appropriately, but excessive exposure or ingestion can lead to certain risks:
- Dental Fluorosis: Mild dental fluorosis may occur in children under 6 years old if exposed to excessive fluoride during tooth development. This can cause faint white lines or streaks on teeth. Severe fluorosis, marked by more pronounced discoloration and surface irregularities, is rare and usually associated with very high fluoride exposure at a young age.
- Excessive Ingestion: Accidental ingestion of fluoride-containing products, such as fluoride supplements or large amounts of fluoridated toothpaste, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. However, such incidents are uncommon and can be easily prevented by storing fluoride products safely away from children and using them in recommended amounts under adult supervision.
There is also some mixed research about the dangers of fluoride. A study suggests there’s a link between childhood bone cancer and fluoridated water. On the other hand, another study did not confirm the above findings. A review suggests there may be a connection between low IQ and fluoride exposure, but it is still not conclusive. The review stated, we need larger and stronger research.
What does the WHO say?
According to the World Health Organisation, there is no need to revise the guideline value of 1.5 mg/litre for fluoride set in 1984 and reaffirmed in 1993. Concentrations above this level increase the risk of dental fluorosis, and much higher levels can lead to skeletal fluorosis. This guideline is higher than the recommended 0.5–1.0 mg/litre for artificial water fluoridation.
When setting local standards for fluoride, it’s important to consider the population’s water intake and fluoride from other sources like food and air. If total fluoride intake is likely to exceed 6 mg/day, a lower standard than 1.5 mg/litre may be needed.
Various treatment technologies can reduce fluoride levels, but in some areas with naturally high fluoride levels, achieving the guideline value might be challenging with the available technology.
Conclusion
Claims that fluoride is harmful and doesn’t belong in our bodies are mostly unfounded. When used in the right amounts, fluoride is safe and great for dental health. Scientific evidence backs its use in toothpaste and water, and it’s endorsed by health authorities worldwide. While too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, this is rare when used properly. Concerns about fluoride being dangerous or part of a conspiracy aren’t supported by facts and should be viewed sceptically. Always be careful before trusting any health claim on the internet. Trusting social media health claims may prove to be detrimental instead of helpful.
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