Fluoride is used in systemic and topical fluoride therapy to prevent tooth decay and is found in various products related to oral hygiene. In some states where big, centralized water delivery systems are not common, the mineral compound is added to table salt. On the other hand, the majority of water supplies in the United States are now fluoridated. What are the pros and cons of fluoride in drinking water?
The 2 Pros of Fluoride in Drinking Water
Here are the pros of fluoride in drinking water.
1. Water fluoridation is recognized to prevent tooth decay. Fluoridated drinking water can significantly reduce cavities as well as tooth decay by up to ninety percent.
2. The Centers for Disease Control considered fluoridation as among the top 10 achievements of the 20th century. The World Health Organization revealed that benefits are best for the economically disadvantaged, who frequently don’t have access to sufficient dental care.
The 2 Cons of Fluoride in Drinking Water
Here are the cons of fluoride in drinking water.
1. Fluoride may pose a health risk to people who suffer from kidney disease and extensive use of water fluoridation makes it extremely hard to avoid. Opponents of fluoridation argue that it is unethical to dose the whole population with fluoride to reach a small part of it.
2. Too much of this mineral compound might cause spots on the teeth of kids. According to a CDC study, two out of five adolescents have tooth spottiness or streaking because of excessive fluoride. In severe cases, teeth can even be rutted by the mineral. Youngsters who appear to be the most at risk already obtain fluoride in clinical treatments, mouthwashes, toothpaste and supplements.
Conclusion
A lot of countries have been adding fluoride to water for many years. Several European countries, on the other hand, have banned the mineral from their drinking water. What is the reason for this?
Research studies have shown data that seem to associate fluoride use with weakened bones, particularly the hips. There’s also a condition referred to as fluorosis that takes place when a child obtains too much fluoride while their teeth are developing.
A China study on kids with fluorosis discovered that the kids had lower IQ scores. An American research using animals found out that fluoride amassed in certain parts of the brain that then affected the ability of the animals to learn. If you’re flossing and brushing regularly as you have to and your dentist uses a topical fluoride treatment every so often, then fluoride in drinking water is not necessary. There’s no need to add a potentially toxic chemical to your water.
Recently, the NFK (National Kidney Foundation) dropped its support for fluoridated water, so U.S. is changing its suggestions about water fluoridation. The new standard is no more than 0.7 mg/liter of water. The standard has varied from 0.7 to 1.2 mg of fluoride/liter since 1962.
Removing fluoride from your water is also possible. This can be done through different filtration methods like distillation, alumina defluoridation and reverse osmosis, which can get rid of most unwanted impurities. Methods like freezing or boiling water do nothing, but concentrate the mineral and thus, should be avoided.
