You are probably aware that fluoride is featured in toothpastes as an active ingredient that prevents tooth decay and cavities. But did you know that fluoride is actually present everywhere around us? It is in our water, medication, soda and cookware to name a few.
A common misconception is that fluoride is good for us. However, studies show that fluoride is a robber of iodine, an essential mineral in the function of the thyroid gland. According to the US National Research Council in 2006, ‘several lines of information indicate an effect of fluoride exposure on thyroid function.’ When exposed to large amounts of fluoride, the effect can be toxic, which means that the receptors in the thyroid are not getting enough iodine.
In 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged that there is a global deficiency in iodine. Some of the health concerns raised at the time included the calcification of the pineal gland (responsible for the production of the melatonin hormone). In other words, fluoride can inhibit melatonin secretion, which is the hormone responsible for sleep and the regulation of our circadian rhythms. It has also been sited that fluoride can have negative effects on kidneys as well as fertility. Moreover, the liver cannot process fluoride.
According to the National Research Council, fluoride has the ability to interfere with the functions of the brain. Over 100 animal experiments show that fluoride accumulates in the brain and changes mental behavior, and impacts learning. Supporters of fluoride dismiss these studies since very high doses of fluoride were used and these studies were only conducted on animals, not humans.
Bottom line is that fluoride is only safe and effective when used minimally and as directed. On the other hand, it can be hazardous in high doses. For this reason, it is important to take some basic measures. Avoid drinking water that has fluoride as an ingredient. Also, parents should carefully supervise their children's as well as their own use of fluoride-containing products. If your children are young, avoid flavored toothpaste, since it encourages toothpaste to be swallowed. Also, make sure to use pea-sized amounts of fluoridated toothpaste on a child’s toothbrush or your own.
Let us also keep in mind that the oral cavity is one of the most absorbent parts of the body. While plenty of dental products can make our teeth look shinier and whiter, they may not always be the optimal solution. Because of this, it might be helpful to shift to natural toothpastes, thus reducing overall exposure to fluoride and working towards taking better care of our overall health.