The Fluoride Debate: Is it good or bad for our health?
Many people think that using fluoridated products, especially water, is not only bad for your health, but can lower your IQ and control your mind. Others believe that fluoride is not only a health tool, but is necessary in everyday life. This debate of fluoride has occurred for over six decades! The people who believe that fluoride is harmful believe this due to the fact that fluoride has played a part in several dangerous events. However the fluoride level in these situations were much higher than the level of fluoride we use. The products we use that contain fluoride are at a safe, low, optimized level of 0.7-1.2 parts per million.
"When used properly, fluoride is usually considered a safe and effective tool to prevent tooth decay. However, high levels of fluoride exposure for extended periods of time may result in harm. For example, dental fluorosis - a discoloration of tooth enamel - may occur if a person is exposed to too much fluoride. In addition, it is possible for a lifetime of exposure to high fluoride levels to lead to bone weakening and skeletal fluorosis (joint stiffness and pain). More extreme, toxic effects and even death may result if someone consumes too much fluoride. Fluoride overdose is possible, for example, if a small child consumes an entire tube of tooth paste. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting blood, diarrhea, stomach pain, salivation, watery eyes, general weakness, shallow breathing, faintness, tiredness, and convulsions."
Medical News Today
Fluoridation has even been proven safe! Many experiments have been conducted over the past fifty years with fluoridation, and in each experiment there has been no side-effects.
So, is fluoridation good or bad for our health? Some believe it is essential to our health, while others continue to look at it as a risk not worth taking, but it is safe!!!!!
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"Fluoridation is the adjustment of the natural fluoride concentration to about one part of fluoride to one million parts of water. Although fluoridation is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay, the scare tactics of misguided poisonmongers have deprived many communities of its benefits." "Although scientific research has supported the benefits of fluoride treatment in preventing tooth decay, many people question its safety and effectiveness. Several interest groups cite recent increases in dental fluorosis and fluoride levels in water that exceed optimal levels in calling for an end to fluoridated drinking water. They deem fluoride treatments unnecessary and less useful and more dangerous than originally thought." "We find that at times parents fear fluoride because they have insufficient information about the product. Our goal is to thoroughly educate every parent regarding their child so they understand how to manage any possible risks while being informed of the benefits and understanding why fluoride is such a vital part of every child's oral health."
Tina S. Merhoff DDS "Fluoride is only harmful in high amounts." |
"Studies conducted throughout the past 60 years have consistently indicated that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective in preventing dental decay in both children and adults. It is the most efficient way to prevent one of the most common childhood diseases – tooth decay (5 times as common as asthma and 7 times as common as hay fever in 5- to17-year-olds). Early studies, such as those conducted in Grand Rapids, showed that water fluoridation reduced the amount of cavities children get in their baby teeth by as much as 60% and reduced tooth decay in permanent adult teeth nearly 35%. Today, studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing tooth decay by 20-40%, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste."
American Dental Association