Why use fluoride?

            Fluoride is found in water as well as in many foods. Throughout the day minerals are added to and lost from our tooth’s enamel layer. When the tooth enamel is demineralized, bacteria and sugars in the mouth are usually the causes of the break down. A layer of plaque builds up on the teeth potentially leading to cavities. The reason we brush and floss our teeth is to get the plaque off of the surfaces of our teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that helps with remineralzation to the enamel layer. Other minerals such as calcium and phosphate also help in the remineralization process. When there is more breaking down of the minerals than building up, the enamel can become infected and lead to tooth decay.

            A recent study published in the 2012 Environment Health Perspectives found out that children’s IQs were lowering due to fluoride. Harvard researches suggest that the fluoride is affecting children’s neurodevelopment. They found that those who lived in high fluorinated areas had lower IQs then those living in low fluorinated areas. Researchers considered fluoride to be a toxin but they also noted that most of the elements we experience each day could also be considered toxins.

            In the 1950’s water fluorination was discovered by a significant decrease in dental infections. The Center for Disease Control said that fluoride was ranked in the “10 Greatest Achievements in Public Health of the 20^th Century.”Around 90 other health organizations regarded fluoride a very important mineral to prevent dental decay.

            Other studies conducted about fluoride stated that the exposure of fluoride in large amounts could cause fluorosis. Fluorosis is a discoloration and defect on the surface of the teeth. Teeth exposed to an excessive amount of fluoride are said to increase in the porosity of the enamel, potentially leading to erosion or the crumbling of teeth. Dental journals suggest that kids should not begin fluoride treatment until they are 8 years old. Kids are the main targets for fluorosis because they are growing and their permanent teeth are coming in.

            Due to these studies U.S. Public Health Services are decreasing the amount of fluoride in the water. Water bottle companies are also not putting fluoride in their water. The ADA suggests that infants should be fed formula with non-fluorinated water.

            There are many opinions out there discussing the pros and cons of using fluoride. Further evidence on the matter hasn’t been proven in determining if fluoride is a harmful mineral. Dental professions still believe in the continuation of fluoridation due to the number of people who have prevented dental decay as well as had less cavities and pain.