Dr. Thomas Dwan - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Thomas Dwan

Is Fluoride Bad For You?


Grade

N


Short answer

Although there is no credible evidence that fluoride is bad for you, fluoride itself essentially has no good effects on the human body, other than it can help prevent tooth decay.

Grade

N


Long answer

Fluoride is a derivative of the element Fluorine that occurs in nature as a gas, under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature.  Fluorite is the most common solid form of fluoride we find on the earth.  Fluorite (fluoride) existing in its “salt” form, is found in most freshwater bodies in the world.  

Over seventy years of research has been conducted regarding the presence of Fluoride in our drinking water, and the general effects it has on the human body.  The insertion of fluoride into drinking water is called fluoridation.  The research has concluded that at least twenty-five percent of the people that ingest drinking water with fluoride experience a decrease in tooth decay, and in some cases, a reversal of enamel degradation.  The American Dental Association gives six reasons for promoting the fluoridation of public drinking water: preventing tooth decay, preventing cavities, safe, effective, it saves money, and it is all-natural.

The Environmental Protection Agency has set the safe amount of fluoride in the “tap” water at four milligrams per liter. The Public Health Service sets allowable fluoride in drinking water at .07 milligrams per liter.  Fluoride toxicity in the body are reported to be 100 to 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.  The only reported adverse condition of fluoridation is dental fluorosis.  This a condition when white blotches appear on the surface of teeth.  There is no other “official” evidence that fluoride has adverse effects on the human body.  Moreover, many government scientists claim that it is completely healthy in small amounts and assert that it is beneficial to have tolerable amounts of the substance added to the water.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the additive.  Though there is not any acknowledged research on the adverse effects of fluoride, rumors circulate asserting that the United Sates government conceals the complete truth about water fluoridation  The conspiracy theory simply states fluoride has been used in a chemical weapons test against the public, by fluoridation of the water.  Fluoride was produced in massive amounts because it was used in the production of nuclear weapons.  The government wanted more widely reaching tests, after observing that the handlers of fluoride became sick--to the point of death.  This is merely a conspiracy, and may or may not have any truth to it.  However, it is important to note that some countries in the European Union have completely restricted the use of the fluoridation of public water.


Possible short-term side effects

  • acute fluoride toxicity includes:
  • gastric pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • headaches

Possible long-term side effects

  • dental fluorosis

Benefits

  • help to prevent tooth decay



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016




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