Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in bones and teeth; more than 90% of the fluoride in the body is concentrated in these areas. It plays an important role in dental health by supporting enamel and preventing cavities.
It is often added to public water systems as a public health measure to prevent tooth decay by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA) middle.
What is fluoride used for?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 72.3% of the U.S. population received fluoride through community water supplies in 2022. This widespread fluoridation is designed to promote dental health by reducing the incidence of tooth decay.
In addition to water fluoridation, fluoride is also commonly found in over-the-counter (OTC) dental products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and supplements. For people who experience frequent cavities, your dentist may recommend prescription-strength fluoride treatment.
Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride helps provide many oral health benefits, primarily preventing tooth decay. The World Health Organization has added fluoride toothpaste to its Model List of Essential Medicines. This decision underscores its critical role in public health as an effective and affordable means of preventing dental caries globally.
However, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies water fluoridation as one of the most important public health achievements of the 20th century. Some benefits are not mandatory, including:
Rebuilds fragile enamel through remineralization.
Slows the loss of minerals in enamel, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Reverse early signs of tooth decay to prevent them from getting worse.
Inhibits harmful oral bacteria and protects teeth from decay and infection.
These protective effects have made fluoride a cornerstone of dental health strategies worldwide.
How much fluoride is safe?
Global health authorities generally agree that current levels Fluoride in drinking water Safe for human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) sets the maximum safe limit in drinking water at 1.5 ppm. Most studies pointing to possible health risks have focused on fluoride levels, which are twice as high as those found in most public water supplies in the U.S. in the past decade.
Is fluoride harmful to health?
Fluoride is considered safe and effective in preventing tooth decay when used at recommended doses, but excessive exposure to fluoride can lead to health risks, including:
Dental fluorosis:
This condition usually occurs in children during the formative years of dental development due to excessive fluoride intake. Dental fluorosis is characterized by discoloration or spots on the teeth, ranging from faint white streaks to actual brown stains.
Skeletal fluorosis:
Long-term exposure to high concentrations of fluoride can lead to skeletal fluorosis. It manifests as joint stiffness, pain, and limited movement. In severe cases, it can cause structural changes to bones, such as thickening and calcification of ligaments, and severe impairment of mobility.
Nervous System Effects:
Some reports suggest that high fluoride exposure may be associated with lower IQs in children, especially in areas with already high fluoride levels in the water supply.
Thyroid function:
Excess fluoride reduces iodine absorption, interferes with thyroid function, and may then lead to hypothyroidism.
Kidney and liver problems:
Excessive fluoride may be harmful to individuals with severe renal or hepatic dysfunction due to insufficient fluoride excretion.
