Fluoride in drinking water has been a topic of discussion for many years.
Some have hailed it as a substance that helps promote dental health. In contrast, others hold a different view regarding its potential health impacts.
The key takeaway is that fluoride can be good in small amounts but potentially harmful in large quantities.
Read ahead to learn more about the pros and cons of fluoride in water. After reading the whole article, you can make an informed decision about whether fluoride in water is bad for you or not.
What is Fluoride? What are Its Sources in Water?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, and water. During the disintegration process of rocks and soil (breakdown of larger particles into smaller ones), fluoride gets released into the atmosphere.
Only a small fraction remains in the air around us, while the rest gets absorbed into the water. That’s how it gets there naturally.
Certain manmade activities are also responsible for increased fluoride in drinking water. The two most common sources are agricultural processes and coal combustion.
In most regions of the world, communities use water fluoridation. This process is known as community water fluoridation. During this process, small quantities of fluoride are added to the water supply.
This public health measure started in the mid-twentieth century to fight the rising prevalence of dental problems.
Recommended Fluoride Levels
Health organizations concerned about the problem have established guidelines to define safe fluoride levels in drinking water. According to the CDC, a fluoride concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) is essential to prevent dental diseases without causing significant health concerns.
The WHO arrives at a similar range, stating that fluoride should not exceed 1.5 mg/L to avoid potential adverse reactions.
These guidelines are established to optimize dental gains from the use of fluorides while minimizing health hazards, thereby safeguarding the welfare of the people.
The Pros of Fluoride in Water
Dental Health Benefits
One of the most significant benefits of fluoride in drinking water is the improvement of dental health.
Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth enamel. Enamel is a protective covering around the teeth that shields them against harmful chemicals produced by bacteria in the mouth. As a result, our teeth stay strong and resistant to cavities.
According to research published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health by Clarke and Stevens, communities that use fluoridated water have a statistically lower risk of dental caries, especially among children.
Prevention of Tooth Decay
Fluoride is incredibly effective at preventing tooth decay. Research published in Cochrane databases pointed out that adding fluoride to water can lead to as much as a 26% decrease in tooth decay, especially in children.
The effectiveness of this preventive measure is especially valued in regions where people do not have the opportunity to visit a dentist as often as needed. Hence, water fluoridation provides a cost-effective solution to dental problems in such areas.
The Cons of Fluoride in Water
Although fluorides primarily have a positive impact on teeth, there are some dangers that you should be familiar with.
Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis is the most well-known detrimental health outcome that stems from drinking water with excessive fluoride. It is prevalent in children, as their teeth are still developing.
Dental fluorosis manifests itself by changing the structure of the enamel of the affected teeth. The signs that you will likely notice range from the appearance of grayish/brownish spots to rough or pitted surfaces.
Mild symptoms are primarily aesthetic, and there is no functional disability. Severe cases of fluorosis can lead to critical dental complications. Conclusively, fluorosis implies the need to regulate the use of fluoride in drinking water sources.
Associated Health Concerns
Apart from dental fluorosis, there have been concerns about the drastic effects of excess fluoride exposure on overall health. Some of the familiar and well-discussed problems are,
- Skeletal fluorosis, a disease that affects bones and joints
- Effect of fluorides on thyroid gland function
- Neurological complications, particularly in children
Skeletal fluorosis can occur when high levels of fluoride accumulate in the bones. This abnormal accumulation can lead to pain, stiffness, and, in severe cases, changes in bone structure. You will most likely experience joint pain and stiffness, mainly when you try to do some movements.
The thyroid gland needs iodine (iodide = ionized iodine) to produce thyroid hormones. These hormones are essential to regulate all of the chemical reactions in the human body. Unfortunately, if your body has excess fluoride, your thyroid gland may mistakenly absorb it instead of iodide.
It is because iodide belongs to the same family of minerals as fluoride, and the thyroid gland cannot spot the difference between them. Therefore, if you have a thyroid condition, you must monitor the fluoride levels you take with water.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about fluoride’s possible effects on neurological development, particularly in children. There is no clear evidence to prove this link. However, some health advocates advise people to be cautious about the total fluorides they ingest to avoid serious problems.
How to Make Informed Decisions about Fluoride Consumption?
Considerations for Individuals with Different Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions demand special attention to fluoride consumption. For example, a review published in the Journal of Human & Experimental Toxicology by Dharmaratne and colleagues defines a direct link between excess fluoride consumption and chronic kidney disease.
People with kidney diseases should avoid excess fluoride if they don’t want to put their kidneys in more danger. Additionally, fluoride affects thyroid function. Therefore, people with thyroid disorders are also advised to limit their fluoride intake.
Other than that, if you have any medical condition and you are concerned that fluoride may worsen your problem, it’s best to visit your healthcare professional. He can advise on what’s best for you based on your detailed medical history and physical examination.
Alternative Sources of Fluoride
If you are concerned about the effects of fluoride in drinking water on your overall health, remember that there are various sources of fluoride other than water. For example, certain toothpaste and mouth rinses often come with fluoride-enriched formula. They are directly applied to the teeth and do not have any systemic side effects.
Many foods, such as fish and tea, are also considered natural sources of fluoride. Some people also use water in processed bottles with standardized doses of fluoride. These options enable a person to maintain good oral hygiene and regulate the level of fluoride simultaneously.
How Do You Know If You Are Consuming Excess Fluoride or Not?
Look for Signs
Excess fluoride often leads to white lines on teeth. The sign is more pronounced among children since their teeth are still growing. Severe fluorosis also leads to brown stains and pits on the tooth surface. If you have children in your home, you should start observing their teeth more often. You can also consult your dentist for their expert opinion.
As discussed before, high levels of fluorides also affect the bones and joints. After long-term consumption of excess fluorosis, you can feel a throbbing sensation or pain in your bones and joints.
Check the Fluoride Levels in Your Drinking Water
If you wish to determine the fluoride amounts in your water supply, you can begin by consulting your water provider or health department. They usually post annual reports of water quality.
If this information cannot be obtained easily, the next option is to buy a home testing kit. These kits are pretty simple to operate and enable you to obtain a relatively accurate water fluoride level.
Another way is to take a water sample to a specialist and have it analyzed in a laboratory. Since you are informed of the fluoride in your water, you can restrain your consumption to the recommended levels.
FAQs
Is fluoride in water bad for you?
Fluoride in water is beneficial at recommended levels, as it helps to prevent dental caries and, ultimately, tooth decay. However, when you consume fluoride more than the recommended levels, it can lead to fluorosis and other associated significant health concerns. Therefore, you must monitor and regulate fluoride consumption.
How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel by promoting remineralization, making teeth more resistant to decay and cavities caused by bacteria.
What is dental fluorosis?
Dental fluorosis is a condition caused by excessive fluoride intake during tooth development. It leads to changes in the appearance of tooth enamel, such as discoloration or pitting.
How can I reduce fluoride intake if I’m concerned?
To reduce fluoride intake, consider using non-fluoridated water for drinking and cooking and opt for fluoride-free dental products. Consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized advice.
Conclusion
Fluoride in water offers significant dental health benefits, particularly in preventing tooth decay. However, excessive fluoride intake can lead to health concerns such as dental and skeletal fluorosis.
To make informed decisions about fluoride consumption, consider personal health conditions, explore alternative fluoride sources, and stay informed about local water fluoride levels.
Ultimately, balancing the pros and cons of fluoride is essential for maintaining good health and making the best choices for your well-being.
