Fluoride often sparks a heated debate. Some say it’s essential for oral health, while others worry about its long-term effects. So, is fluoride bad for you? Like many things in health and science, the answer isn’t black and white. It depends on how much you’re getting and where it’s coming from.
In this blog, we’ll unpack the science and facts around fluoride, to help you make sense of it all.
First Things First: What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in soil, rocks, and even in the water you consume daily. It’s also added to many dental products, such as fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses. For many years, it has been recognised for its ability to reduce tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel.
But what about the concerns?
Let’s start with the positives and then explore where too much fluoride can tip the balance.
Why Is Fluoride Added to Water and Toothpaste?
One of the biggest public health moves of the 20th century was adding fluoride to the water supply, also known as water fluoridation. This started after studies found that individuals living in regions with naturally fluoridated water experienced fewer cavities.
The logic was simple: fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to the effect of acid production by bacteria. It can even reverse the early stages of decay.
Using fluoride toothpaste offers a direct way to get these benefits. When fluoride is applied to the teeth, it reinforces the enamel and helps shield it from acid attacks caused by food and drinks.
What Happens If You Get Too Much Fluoride?
This is where the concerns start to come in.
While fluoride intake in small amounts can help prevent tooth decay, too much fluoride can cause issues. The two main conditions that can arise are:
1. Dental Fluorosis
This condition occurs when children consume high levels of fluoride while their adult teeth are still developing under the gums. It can cause white spots, streaks, or even brown stains on the enamel. Though mostly cosmetic, it’s a visible sign of fluoride overexposure.
2. Skeletal Fluorosis
A more serious condition, skeletal fluorosis, affects the bones rather than the teeth. Over time, excess fluoride can accumulate in the bones, leading to pain, stiffness, and, in severe cases, bone deformities. This typically results from long-term consumption of water with excessive fluoride levels, often well above what is found in fluoridated drinking water in Australia.
Is Fluoridated Water Safe in Australia?
Yes, according to numerous health authorities, including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), fluoridated water in Australia is safe. The levels of fluoride added to public water supplies are carefully controlled, usually around 1 part per million, which is considered effective in reducing tooth decay while avoiding harmful effects.
These fluoride levels are based on decades of scientific research, and the aim is to strike a balance between oral health benefits and avoiding the risks of too much fluoride.
What About Fluoride Supplements?
Fluoride supplements may be prescribed in areas without fluoridated water, especially for children who are at high risk of developing cavities. However, these should only be used under the advice of a dental professional. Taking them without guidance increases the risk of dental fluorosis, especially in young children.
Where Else Does Fluoride Come From?
Aside from water and toothpaste, fluoride exposure can come from:
- Mouth rinses
- Gels or fluoride treatments at the dentist
- Some processed beverages and foods made with fluoridated water
- Tea (which naturally contains fluoride)
- Pesticide residues in some foods
All these sources contribute to your body’s fluoride levels, which is why it’s important to monitor total exposure.
Can You Avoid Fluoride?
If you’re concerned about your fluoride intake, you can:
- Use fluoride-free toothpaste, though it may reduce the protective benefit for your teeth
- Drink bottled water, though not all are fluoride-free and may lack essential minerals
- Install water filters designed to remove fluoride
- Speak to your dentist for personalised advice on your dental care
However, keep in mind that fluoride plays an important role in modern dentistry and dental health, particularly in preventing tooth decay and avoiding costly dental services down the track.
What Does the Research Say?
The Medical Research Council and other scientific bodies have reviewed hundreds of studies. The consensus is that water fluoridation:
- Minimises the risk of cavities in children and adults
- Is safe at the levels used in public water systems
- Has no link to serious illnesses when used appropriately
There is no solid evidence that fluoride causes conditions like cancer, kidney disease, or reduced IQ when consumed within the recommended limits. Most concerns come from studies based on excessive fluoride exposure well above what you’d find in Australian drinking water.
Could Fluoride Harm Your Bones?
Concerns have also been raised about the link between fluoride and bone fractures or bone disease. While extremely high levels can contribute to skeletal fluorosis, studies show that the amounts used in fluoridated drinking water are well below those thresholds. Again, it’s about the dose.
FAQ: Fluoride and Your Health
Can fluoride damage your teeth?
Only if you consume too much fluoride over a long period it can cause dental fluorosis in children.
Does bottled water contain fluoride?
Some do, some don’t. Always check the label.
Is it safe to use fluoride toothpaste on a daily basis?
Yes. For most people, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is a safe and effective way to reduce tooth decay.
Can you get fluoride poisoning?
Acute poisoning is extremely rare and usually only occurs if large amounts are swallowed in a short time, such as swallowing toothpaste or supplements.
Should I avoid fluoride altogether?
Not unless advised by a medical professional. The benefits for dental health outweigh the risks when fluoride is used properly.
Final Thoughts: So, Is Fluoride Bad for You?
Fluoride isn’t inherently bad for you. In fact, in the right amount, it’s one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against tooth decay. But, like any substance, it can be harmful if overused.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Helpful at recommended levels: Fluoride helps protect tooth enamel and prevent decay.
- Harmful at high doses: Overexposure, especially in children, can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis.
- Safe in Australia: The fluoride added to the water supply is within internationally accepted safety guidelines.
- Balanced dental care is key: Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, proper diet, and visits to your dentist will do more for your teeth than avoiding fluoride altogether.
If you’re still unsure, the best step is to book a consultation with Infinity Dental Care at (02) 9159 6237. They can assess your unique risk factors and suggest a fluoride treatment plan that promotes long-term oral health.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Fluoride treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11195-fluoride
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About fluoridation. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/about/index.html#:~:text=Almost%20all%20water%20contains%20some,in%20a%2055%2Dgallon%20barrel.
National Health and Medical Research Council. (n.d.). Water fluoridation: Dental and other human health outcomes. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/water-fluoridation-dental-and-other-human-health-outcomes