Community water fluoridation is a widespread public health measure that aims to minimize the risk of dental caries and promote oral health. But is fluoride in water safe?
Increasingly, more evidence suggests that long-term exposure to fluoridated water may increase the risk of neurotoxicity, thyroid problems, and tooth enamel demineralization.
Learn how to limit fluoride exposure and discover better ways to protect your teeth and promote dental health.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a derivative of the element fluorine, created when fluorine reacts with other elements, such as calcium, sodium, or hydrogen.
Trace amounts of fluoride naturally occur in water, soil, and certain foods. However, this compound can also be synthesized in laboratories into various forms used in applications such as water fluoridation and fluoridated toothpaste.
While hydrofluorosilicic acid is most commonly used in the fluoridation of water systems, sodium fluoride, a purer form of this compound, is typically utilized in dental products such as fluoride toothpaste, mouthwashes, and dental sealants.
In addition, fluoride is used in certain industrial processes, including the production of aluminum and uranium.
Watch the video below to learn if fluoride is safe in drinking water.
Why is fluoride in tap water?
Because of its chemical structure, fluoride integrates into the tooth enamel structure, forming a compound known as fluorapatite, which appears to be more resistant to tooth decay and caries.
Fluoride has also been found to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, further minimizing microbial acid production linked to tooth enamel breakdown.
Although naturally occurring fluoride is present in some water sources, public health services add fluoride to many community water supplies to help prevent tooth decay.
According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 72 percent of the U.S. population served by public water systems receives fluoridated water.
Fluoride is a highly reactive compound and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that fluoride concentrations in drinking water are maintained between 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (ppm) to maximize dental health benefits while minimizing potential adverse effects.
However, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contamination level of 4 ppm, leaving questions about the long-term safety of water fluoridation programs.
Is fluoride in water safe?
Despite a report published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) stating that U.S. water fluoridation initiatives are safe, emerging evidence highlights health and environmental risks associated with prolonged fluoride exposure.
Here are three health risks associated with excessive fluoride intake.
1. Weakened tooth enamel
While fluoride is added to water for its dental health benefits, research published in Caries Research found that prolonged fluoride consumption can change enamel composition and contribute to tooth demineralization, leading to a condition known as dental fluorosis.
Dental fluorosis can result in visible changes to the enamel, including discoloration and pitting, and affect the structural integrity of teeth, especially in children.
2. Potential neurotoxic effects
Fluoride has been linked to neurotoxic effects, particularly in developing infants and children who are more susceptible to its impact on brain development.
Because of its high reactivity, fluoride has been found to interfere with the development of neurons and synapses and may disrupt neurotransmitter production. In combination, these effects can impair normal brain function, resulting in cognitive impairments and lower IQ.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics investigated existing data regarding fluoride exposure and children’s IQ and concluded, “This systematic review and meta-analysis of 74 cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies found significant inverse associations between fluoride exposure and children’s IQ scores.”
3. Increased risk of thyroid disorders
Fluoride has been found to negatively impact thyroid function by interfering with the thyroid gland’s ability to produce hormones.
High levels of fluoride may disrupt the conversion of inactive thyroid hormones into their active forms, which can trigger or exacerbate hypothyroidism. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Fluoride can also impair the intestinal absorption of iodine, which is essential for thyroid gland function and hormonal balance.
Other tap water risks
In addition to fluoride, drinking tap water can expose you to several other contaminants linked to various health risks.
Metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic can be found in tap water, especially in older plumbing systems. These toxic heavy metals can accumulate in the body, contributing to long-term health issues such as neurological damage, developmental delays in children, kidney disease, and an increased risk of cancer.
Disinfectants such as chlorine and chloramine are commonly added to tap water to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
While these chemicals are effective at disinfecting, they can also produce byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids. These compounds have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, liver and kidney damage, and reproductive issues when consumed over time.
Furthermore, evidence published in Environmental Health Perspective found that communal water supplies can contain pharmaceutical residues, including antibiotics, hormones, and anti-seizure medications.
While pharmaceutical contaminants are usually only present in trace amounts in drinking water, their long-term health risks remain a concern, as prolonged exposure could potentially contribute to hormonal imbalance, antibiotic resistance, and other adverse health effects.
How to purify your tap water
To minimize exposure to common contaminants in public water supplies and reduce the risk of health issues, it’s recommended to purify tap water.
Using a reliable water filtration system, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters, can effectively remove harmful substances, including fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues.
Many refrigerator models are equipped with built-in filters. However, it’s crucial to check that compatible filter cartridges can remove a broad spectrum of contaminants and are certified by organizations such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or the Water Quality Association (WQA).
Regular maintenance and timely replacement of water filters are essential for optimal purification and water quality. These practices can significantly minimize fluoride exposure and reduce the intake of other potentially harmful substances.
Better ways to protect your teeth
Instead of relying on potentially harmful fluoride in tap water to prevent cavities and tooth decay, there are safer and more effective ways to promote oral health without risking unwanted side effects.
Here are four steps you can take to protect your teeth.
1. Avoid sugars and refined carbohydrates
Avoiding sugars and refined carbohydrates is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth.
Sugary foods and drinks fuel cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, leading to acid production that erodes tooth enamel and contributes to dental decay.
“Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, rice, pasta, and pastries, are broken down into simple sugars, having a similar effect on oral health as table sugar,” says Dr. Berg. “This explains why those following a high-carb diet are at greater risk of cavities and dental issues.”
2. Use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash
Hydrogen peroxide is known for its potent antibacterial qualities, which help eliminate harmful oral bacteria linked to caries.
To make hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, combine one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with four tablespoons of water. Swish the mixture in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly with water.
3. Practice good dental hygiene
Practicing good dental hygiene is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease, and preventing bad breath.
This includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily, regular flossing to remove plaque between teeth, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Routine dental checkups, professional cleanings twice a year, and limiting sugary foods are equally essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
4. Promote a diverse oral microbiome
According to a study published in Applied and Environmental Biology, a diverse oral microbiome helps reduce the growth and proliferation of cavity-causing bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans.
Oral probiotics are available as lozenges, mouth rinses, and liquid formulations and deliver beneficial bacteria directly into the oral cavity, where they help maintain microbial balance and support healthy teeth.
However, it’s recommended to discuss probiotic supplements with a healthcare provider to ensure they’re suitable for your health needs and to avoid potential interactions with other treatments or conditions.
Key takeaways
Fluoridated drinking water is a public health initiative designed to prevent cavities and enhance oral health. But is fluoride in water safe?
Fluoride is a highly reactive compound, and long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of tooth enamel demineralization, thyroid issues, and poor cognitive functions, especially in children.
To reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay without relying on fluoride in tap water, focus on avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates, maintaining a diverse oral microbiome, and practicing consistent dental hygiene.
FAQ
1. Is fluoride in water safe?
Prolonged fluoride exposure has been linked to an elevated risk of tooth enamel demineralization, hypothyroidism, and cognitive impairments, including reduced IQ in children.
These concerns have raised questions about the safety of fluoridated drinking water as a public health strategy for preventing cavities and tooth decay.
2. What are the negatives of fluoride in drinking water?
Fluoride is a highly reactive compound that can trigger tooth enamel demineralization and interfere with thyroid hormone production and iodine uptake, thereby potentially contributing to hypothyroidism.
In addition, fluoride has neurotoxic properties and may adversely affect neuronal development in infants and children, disrupting neurotransmitter production and contributing to impaired cognitive function and lower IQ levels.
3. Should I remove fluoride from my drinking water?
Whether you should remove fluoride from your drinking water depends on your health concerns and alternative cavity prevention methods, such as proper dental hygiene and avoidance of sugar and refined carbohydrates.
If you’re worried about potential health risks linked to long-term fluoride exposure, using a high-quality water filtration system is an excellent strategy to minimize fluoride exposure.
4. What states do not put fluoride in the water?
While Hawaii is the only state that doesn’t add fluoride to its communal water supply, the decision to fluoridate water is typically made at the local level. As a result, many communities across the U.S. voted against adding fluoride to public water systems.
5. What is a good alternative to fluoride?
A good alternative to fluoride is minimizing the growth of cavity-causing bacteria by avoiding sugary foods and beverages and practicing proper dental hygiene, including brushing teeth at least twice daily, flossing, and scheduling regular dental check-ups.
Additionally, supporting a diverse oral microbiome with probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria, further protecting against tooth decay and gum disease.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/php/statistics/2022-water-fluoridation-statistics.html
- https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/fluoride
- https://karger.com/cre/article-abstract/43/4/278/85490
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2828425
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3702003/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6803316/
