Is Fluoride Addition In Water Good?

Obviously, good parents want their children to have strong teeth. Yet, in spite of the improvements in dental care in recent years, a quarter of two to five year olds and half of children 12-15 have had one or more cavities. Further 2/3 of 16- to 19-year-olds have had dental problems. To counteract this, many suggest that adding fluoride to public water will help. Others say it will do more harm than good.

Fluoride exists naturally in water and is the 13th most common element in the Earth's crust. Some water has sufficient natural quantities. What should be done when it is not naturally present? Should water systems add fluoride to the supply? The debate has been going on for decades and won't end here. Many factors are involved in this discussion. The purpose here is to consider a few of these, and to give you some options.

The pro side says, "For over 60 years, water fluoridation has proved to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental caries." "It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay." "Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20-40%." These quotes come from an MD.

The pro side says that fluoride decreases tooth decay in two ways. It works when it comes in contact with the surface of the teeth by preventing the acid made by the bacteria in plaque from dissolving, or demineralizing, tooth enamel. Second, it becomes part of the structure of developing teeth in children. Fluoride also encourages teeth damaged by acid to remineralize themselves. It can't fix decayed teeth but can prevent new decay from occurring.

Those on the other side of the debate claim that a greater quality of fluoride actually increases tooth decay. At least, they said, this is true: ". . . there is no difference in the tooth decay rates of the fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas surveyed."

Too much fluoride before 8 years of age, a time when teeth are developing, can cause enamel fluorosis, a discoloration or mottling of the permanent teeth. Sometimes the amount of fluoride ingested from the water and then through toothpaste and dental treatments can be too much.

Symptoms of fluoride toxicity may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased salivation, or increased thirst. Symptoms begin 30 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 24 hours.

At times the studies have not considered the long range effects of fluoride. The con side says it has been directly linked to cancer, changes in bone structure and strength, has caused birth defects and perinatal deaths, has impaired the immune system, caused initial stages of skeletal fluorosis, caused osteoarthritis, inhibits key enzymes, suppresses thyroid function and several other adverse problems.

What about the studies mentioned above proving that fluoride is good for dental hygiene? Opponents point out the studies had several flaws. First, they did not consider other minerals in the water that could have been the cause of decreased instances of tooth decay. Second, they did not consider the differences between "natural fluoride" (like CaF) and added fluoride (like NaF). Third, the conclusion had little or no statistical analysis. Fourth, it included no safety experiments except for dental fluorosis.

If you agree with the con side, what can you do if fluoride is added to your water? You could buy bottled water but this option has many drawbacks. Better, buy a water filter that promises to remove the fluoride. Some promise this optionally. For example, the Berkey has an optional fluoride filter that can be attached to the regular gravity filter rods. Don't feel you have to drink fluoride in your water if you don't want it.

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Many debate the advantages and disadvantages of adding fluoride to water systems. The ones wanting it removed can purchase optional fluoride water filter for their Berkey Water Filters.

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