Studies have found that fluoride potentially causes birth defects as well as cancer, and that using fluoride does not significantly reduce tooth decay. Excessive fluoride use is also linked to fluorisis. Why is it still in our water and toothpaste?

Comments

• Tooth decay and cavities have declined both in communities which add fluoride to their drinking water and in those that do not. My main argument I guess would be that when the dentist gives me fluoride, he tells me not to drink it. I find it hard to believe that someone is actually pumping that very same stuff into my beverages without my consent. Thanks for answering.

  • Report
  

  by mellowfellow on January 26th, 2009

• Fluoride helps to prevent decay in a few ways:
  1. It promotes remineralisation and inhibits demineralisation.
  2. It can either kill the bacteria that cause decay, or inhibit some of the enzymes they use, depending on the concentration used.
  3. It may possibly affect the shape of the teeth during development - leading to shallower fissures/pits in the teeth which are easier to clean.
  
  The concentration of fluoride in products that a dentist gives you to take, or places themselves is much higher than normal toothpaste. The main benefit of these products and toothpaste is a topical application of fluoride, whereas with water, it's meant to be taken up into the tooth structure during development. This is why it is very important for a child not to swallow toothpaste alot, as it can lead to too much fluoride in the teeth (causing fluorosis). Water also provides a constant bathing of teeth in a low concentration of fluoride.
  
  I realise I'm rambling now, so just ask me to clarify anything.

  • Report
  

  by PFusion on January 27th, 2009