In the early 1980’s, Dr Robbins noticed that many children he examined during normal dental checkups had white or brown mottled stains and spots on their front teeth. Since that time, he stopped recommending oral fluoride supplements for all children. It is now know that the permanent staining of these teeth, called DENTAL FLUOROSIS, was due to damage from ingested fluoride. Fluoride swallowed by young children actually damages the protective coating of the enamel covering teeth and leaves them more susceptible to decay and bacterial buildup.
BRITTLE BONES AND OSTEOPOROSIS
Many studies have demonstrated that fluoride binds calcium in the body. Since calcium is not readily available when needed for bones and muscles (the heart is also a muscle needing calcium to function!) the body takes calcium from the reserves in the bones. BUT after puberty we genetically to not store more calcium in our reserves (long bones) because we are not growing any longer. So being exposed chronically to fluoride, like drinking fluoridated water all the time, cause weakening of our bones and can lead to brittle bone diseases.
LOWER IQ IN CHILDREN
New studies have demonstrated that fluoride replaces iodine in the body. In developing minds (children) a deficiency of iodine leads to decreases in cognitive abilities and lower IQ. Estimates (from August’s International Society of Fluoride Research Conference and a more recent study at Harvard University) can be as high as a 5% decrease in IQ for all children.
THYROID DAMAGE
Fluoride is also thyroid toxic and destroys thyroid cells. It is possible that some thyroid deficiencies (hypothyroidism) could be caused by chronic ingestion of fluoride – in foods, water and dental supplements.
For more damaging fluoride effects see my book, The Toxic Dental Office.
TOOTH DAMAGE
Even fluoride in toothpaste used for regular brushings can be harmful, to the teeth and the body.
Fluorosis in an adult as a result of oral supplements of fluoride as a child.
FLUORIDE DOES NOT PREVENT TOOTH DECAY
The magic anti-cavity fighter fluoride does not exist!! It does not prevent tooth decay or strengthen tooth structure as we have been told for decades.
Fluoride has a very poor bactericidal action (cannot kill bacteria). It is bacteria that eats the sugar causing acid production on your tooth…decalcification and tooth decay follow. So using fluoride in toothpaste or in swallowed water does not prevent cavities!
The incidence in this country of osteopenia (low bone mass) and osteoporosis (low bone mass and weakened bone strength) among older individuals is of epidemic proportions. The percentage of people needing hip and joint transplants is occurring in younger and younger people. Fluoride is one cause of weakened bones because it ties up calcium in the body. This fluoride-bound calcium is no longer available for normal use by your body—uses such as maintaining bone density and strength, nerve conduction, muscle function and heart contraction. There is no evidence to support the recommendation that water fluoridation will reduce dental decay in adults. To the contrary, there are now studies and data that verify there is NO DIFFERENCE IN DECAY RATES BETWEEN DRINKING FLUORIDATED AND NON-FLUORIDATED WATER.
We do not give topical fluoride treatments to children because of the risk of their swallowing fluoride. Excessive fluoride can cause coma and death. Even small amounts of ingested fluoride can damage the surface of teeth and become a cosmetic problem (as shown above). This can occur even in communities where water supplies are officially fluoridated at the level of 1 part per million! Instead of applying fluoride, our hygienist uses a non-fluoride polishing paste while scaling and polishing teeth during six month dental recalls. This polishing paste contains arginine, an amino acid that reacts with bacteria in saliva to produce alkaline (non-acidic) products. These “base pH” products counteract the tooth decay acids and neutralize them. This helps prevent damage and decay of the tooth surfaces better than fluoride.
Mild fluorosis in a young teenager
Severe fluorosis in an adult
We provide non-fluoride toothpastes for home use. We have investigated dozens of non-fluoridated toothpastes, looking at ingredients, taste and price and have several we sell in our dental practice and online health product store. These toothpastes help prevent the acid buildup which is produced by bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) from decalcifying tooth enamel and causing dental decay. The ingredients also help reduce pain from teeth that are sensitive to temperature, especially cold.
LEARN MORE AT: SAFE TOOTHPASTES
Other resources for information:
www.biosafedentistry.com
www.fluoridealert.org