The Force and Flaws of Fluoride

Since it was determined more than seven decades ago that drinking water which contained high levels of fluoride prevent cavities in people, many countries had their supply of drinking water fluoridated. Today, we know of course that the various dental products, such as toothpastes, the different dental treatments, and mouthwashes, contain fluoride. Prior to the practice of fluoridating drinking water, and of making fluoride a common ingredient in dental commodities, multiple cavities among children was a serious dental problem. But the process of adding fluoride to tap water has generated controversy in some communities, especially since many health experts have pointed to the possible dangers of consuming fluoride in large amounts.

The fluoride in toothpastes, dental treatments, and mouthwashes makes teeth stronger and guards them against decay. When taken in (as in the form of supplements or in foods which naturally contain it), fluoride provides many health benefits as well. In young children, for example, fluoride can strengthen teeth in developing or forming stage. Also, many studies concluded that, when consumed in the right amounts, fluoride may help in treating osteoporosis.

But fluoride is not without any downside. It is believed that excessive consumption of fluoride can cause dental fluorosis. This condition is distinguished by the teeth's discoloration or by colored blotches that appear on them. People who suffer from kidney disease and are on dialysis are likewise admonished from drinking fluoridated water as the mineral may worsen their condition.

Taking in a large amount of fluoride may be an uncommon occurrence. But in such an instance, it may result to vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While researchers continue to work on finding any latent long-term effect of fluoride, none of the tests conducted so far has confirmed that fluoride in drinking water plays a significant part in bringing about cancer or such other serious illnesses. As a matter of fact, fluoridated drinking water is considered safe by most health associations in many countries, particularly those in North America.

What's considered a safe level of fluoride that anyone may consume? In drinking water, health authorities peg it at no more than one-and-a-half parts per million (or, more specifically, one-and-a-half milligrams per liter). For anyone over the age of five, it should be, on a daily average, no more than seventy-eight micrograms per kilogram of body weight. Adults are therefore reminded to always oversee their children's intake of fluoride, especially since those below the age of five are prone to swallowing toothpaste while brushing their teeth and are, therefore, liable to ingest amounts of fluoride that exceed the safe level. For this same reason, adults are likewise advised not to give fluoridated mouthwash to children age five and below. [Read the Original Article]