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Stop with the Fluoride! Why Fluoride is Ruining Your Health
Dr. Livingood
Fluoride has long been promoted as essential for dental health, but recent discussions and studies are questioning its safety. In a recent post on our community, over 30,000 people engaged with the question: Why no fluoride? Many of us have grown up believing that fluoride is the key to strong, healthy teeth, but could we be getting too much? In this blog, we'll dive deep into the effects of fluoride on your health, why it might not be as safe as you think, and how to keep your teeth healthy without relying on it.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a chemical commonly found in drinking water, toothpaste, and mouthwash. It’s added to help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel on your teeth. You might even remember those fluoride treatments as a kid, the sticky bubblegum-flavored goo that would sit in your mouth for a while. But what happens when we’re exposed to too much of it? While fluoride can help in certain cases, overexposure has been linked to several health concerns.
The Dangers of Too Much Fluoride
Excess fluoride can lead to a variety of health problems. In adults, too much fluoride can cause joint stiffness, numbness, and tingling. It can also lead to kidney dysfunction, indigestion, and even weaken your immune system. There’s also evidence linking high fluoride intake with an increase in gluten intolerance.
For children, the risks can be even more severe. Fluorosis is a condition caused by too much fluoride exposure during tooth development. This results in discoloration of the teeth, often seen as white streaks or brown spots. It’s also been linked to developmental delays. Some studies suggest that fluoride levels above 2 milligrams per liter in drinking water could lead to cognitive decline in children.
How Much Fluoride Are We Consuming?
In the United States, tap water contains an average of 2 milligrams per liter of fluoride, though some areas report levels as high as 4 milligrams per liter. For children, excessive fluoride can easily be consumed through toothpaste. Children often swallow their toothpaste, which can lead to a significant intake of fluoride. This is a concern because up to 85% of fluoride toxicity cases come from toothpaste or mouthwash, not drinking water.
How to Reduce Fluoride Exposure
If you're concerned about fluoride exposure and its potential impact on your health, there are a few steps you can take:
- Increase Calcium Intake: Calcium can help block fluoride uptake, reducing its effect on your body. Include calcium-rich foods like leafy greens, broccoli, and organic dairy in your diet.
- Alkaline Foods: Fluoride is acidic, so incorporating alkaline foods can help neutralize and remove fluoride from your system. Consider green vegetables, green juices, and alkalizing powders as part of your diet.
- Water Filtration: Not all water filters remove fluoride. Look for filters specifically designed to eliminate fluoride from your drinking water. Surface area filtration is a great option to ensure you’re not consuming excess fluoride.
Fluoride-Free Oral Care
So, how can you maintain strong, healthy teeth without fluoride? The good news is that there are alternatives to fluoride that can help remineralize your teeth and protect your enamel.
- Hydroxyapatite: This is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to strengthen and remineralize tooth enamel just like fluoride. However, it is non-toxic, making it a safer alternative. Many fluoride-free toothpastes now include hydroxyapatite as their active ingredient.
- Proper Cleaning: Bacteria in the mouth is often the root cause of tooth decay, not a lack of fluoride. Proper brushing and flossing techniques can go a long way. Consider using a water pick to remove particles between your teeth and oil pulling with coconut oil to remove bacteria. These methods are antimicrobial and can help keep your teeth clean naturally.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: A safe, simple way to keep your teeth clean is by using hydrogen peroxide a few times a week. It helps kill harmful bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals. Just be cautious not to overuse it, as it can kill the good bacteria in your mouth.
Fluoride in Children’s Health
For children, fluoride can be especially concerning. Their bodies are smaller, making them more susceptible to fluoride’s toxic effects. Ingesting fluoride from toothpaste is a common issue, especially with flavored varieties that children may accidentally swallow. If you have young children, consider switching to a fluoride-free toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite. It’s just as effective at protecting their teeth without the risk of fluoride toxicity.
Long-Term Health Impacts
What’s even more alarming is that fluoride doesn’t just disappear from your body. Some studies suggest that the half-life of fluoride in the body can be over 100 days, meaning it stays in your system long after you’ve consumed it. In fact, some morticians report that modern human bodies take longer to break down due to the preservatives and chemicals we consume, fluoride being one of them. The long-term effects of fluoride build-up are still being studied, but the risks are significant enough to warrant caution.
Take Control of Your Health
The risks of fluoride exposure might outweigh the benefits, especially when there are safer alternatives available. By switching to fluoride-free products and ensuring that you’re not consuming excess fluoride through drinking water, you can protect your health and that of your family.
If you're concerned about fluoride toxicity, the key is to reduce your exposure and adopt a healthier oral care routine. Consider filtering your water, increasing your intake of alkaline foods, and using non-toxic alternatives like hydroxyapatite toothpaste. It’s time to stop with the fluoride and take a healthier approach to oral and overall health!
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