Nine Unknown Facts About Fluoride
Fluoride is commonly accepted as a beneficial substance and necessary for proper oral health. However, when an individual realized human beings do not require fluoride for health, and people are never fluoride deficient, these assumptions and beliefs begin to fall apart. Oral health is easily maintainable without fluoride treatment in water and the ingredient in toothpaste.
In this article, we will review nine unknown facts about fluoride.
Fluoride Has Demonstrated Carcinogenic Properties
In a 1991 study published by the International Journal of Cancer, researchers noted the carcinogenic effects of fluoride in animals [1].
In a 1992 study published by the New Jersey Department of Health, researchers noted a 6.9-fold increase in bone cancer in young males associated with the prevalence of fluorination [2].
In a 1977 study, researchers noted a 5% increase in all types of cancers in fluoridated communities [3].
During two 1975 Congressional hearings, Dr. John Yiamouyiannis, Ph.D., former scientific director at the National Health Federation, and Dr. Dean Burke, Ph.D., a retired 34-year researcher at the National Cancer Institute, presented the cancer-causing findings to Congress [4] [5].
Dr. Burk stated, “In point of fact, fluoride causes more human cancer death, and causes it faster than any other chemical … I know of no, and I mean absolutely no means of prevention that would save so many lives as simply to stop fluoridation, or don’t start it where it is otherwise going to be started. Therefore, you might save 30,000 or 40,000 or 50,000 live a year, cancer lives” [6].
Researchers have associated fluoride to cancer because half of ingested fluoride is deposited into bones, and fluoride promotes growth at the end of bones, where osteosarcoma occurs [7].
Fluoride Is Not Used in Most Developed Countries
Most developed nations, including 97% of Western Europe, do not fluoridate their drinking water [8].
Further, only eleven countries have more than 50% of their population drink fluoridated water: Australia (80%), Brunei (95%); Chile (70%), Guyana (62%), Hong Kong (100%), the Irish Republic (73%), Israel (70%), Malaysia (75%), New Zealand (62%), Singapore (100%), and the United States (64%). In total, 377,655,000 million people worldwide drink artificially fluoridated water. This represents a mere 5% of the world’s population.
Fluoridated Countries Do Not Have Less Tooth Decay Than Non-Fluoridated Countries
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no discernible difference in tooth decay rates in countries that use fluoridated water when compared to countries that do not. The decline in tooth decay during the last several centuries had occurred in all developed nations, regardless of fluoridation status. Even when compared to Western countries that do not fluoridate their water, the United States’ declining tooth decay rates are nearly the same.
Studies have also found that there was no association between dental caries and the consumption of fluoridated water [9] [10].
In a 2015 meta-analysis, researchers systematically reviewed 107 studies and noted, “There is very little contemporary evidence, meeting the review's inclusion criteria, that has evaluated the effectiveness of water fluoridation for the prevention of caries” [11].
Fluorination Contributes to Dental Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis is a common disorder, characterized by hypomineralization of tooth enamel caused by ingestion of excessive fluoride during enamel formation. It appears as a range of visual changes in enamel causing degrees of intrinsic tooth discoloration, and in some cases, physical damage to the teeth.
Further, in a 2018 study, researchers found that dental fluorosis contributes to a more intense course of dental carries progression, or cavities [12].
Fluoridated Water Affects IQ and Neurobehavioral Development in Children
In a 2008 study published in Biological Trace Elements Research, researchers found that “children who live in a fluorosis area have five times higher odds of developing low IQ than those who live in a nonfluorosis area or a slight fluorosis area” [13].
In point of fact, many studies have come to a supplementary conclusion.
A 2008 study concluded, “Exposure to high levels of fluoride may adversely influence children’s intelligence development,” since their data “suggested a negative correlation between high fluorosis exposure and children’s intelligence development” [14], and a 2007 study concluded, “Children’s intelligence and growth can be affected by high concentrations of As [arsenic] or fluoride” [15].
Moreover, in a 2001 study published in Neurologia, researchers noted that “fluoride can accumulate in the body, and it has been shown that continuous exposure to it causes damaging effects on body tissues, particularly the nervous system directly without any previous physical malformations” [16].
The researchers concluded, “The prolonged ingestion of F [fluoride] may cause significant damage to health and particularly to the nervous system. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this serious problem and avoid the use of toothpaste and items that contain F, particularly in children as they are more susceptible to the toxic effects of F” [16].
Fluoride Adversely Affects Fertility
In a 2018 study titled “The Untold Story of Fluoridation: Revisiting the Changing Perspectives,” researchers investigated the damaging effects of fluoridation in their home country of India [17].
The researchers stated, “Excess fluoride causes several diseases, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, brittle bones, cancer, infertility in women, brain damage, Alzheimer's disease, and thyroid disorders” [17].
Fluoride adverse effects on fertility have been noted in animal studies as well [18].
A 1994 study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that exposure to high fluoride concentrations in drinking water is associated with decreased birth rates [19].
A 2015 study noted that “NaF [sodium fluoride] reduced sperm motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction leading to poor fertilization and suppressed embryonic development” [20].
Fluoride Calcifies the Pineal Gland
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the brain of most vertebrates, and the gland produces melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone which modulated sleep patterns in both circadian and seasonal cycles. Further, the pineal gland secretes seven essential hormones that are related to lactation, the release of testosterone, and the production of sex, thyroid, and human growth hormones.
Ancient civilizations believed the pineal gland played a function in spiritual awakening, as it is commonly called the third eye. For example, Ancient Egyptians reserved this tiny gland and preserved it separately during the process of mummification. N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a profoundly respected psychedelic compound that is illegal worldwide, is naturally produced by the pineal gland during deep REM sleep while dreaming, and the pineal gland releases a large amount of DMT right before death.
Nevertheless, experimentation shows that fluoride concentrates in the pineal gland over time, along with excess calcium, which benumbs its functions.
In a 2011 study, researchers noted that the pineal gland accumulates fluoride and its fluoride-to-calcium ratio is higher than bone [21].
A 2018 study noted fluoride’s deposition in the human pineal gland [22], and this effect has also been shown to occur in animals [23].
Fluoride Is NOT Approved by the FDA
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, “To date, FDA has approved no fluoride-containing supplements as prescription or over-the-counter drugs” [24].
Moreover, the FDA has withdrawn approval of drugs that contain fluorides, such as Enziflur and prenatal fluoride [25] [26].
Fluoride Is Associated to the Leading Cause of Death
Depending on the particular country, cardiovascular disease is typically either the number one or number two leading cause of death. In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the number one leading cause of death, according to 2016 CDC statistics [27].
In a 2012 study, researchers investigated the association between fluoride uptake and vascular calcification in various significant arteries, including coronary arteries [28]. The researchers noted, “there was a significant correlation between history of cardiovascular events and presence of fluoride uptake in coronary arteries.” The researchers concluded, “An increased fluoride uptake in coronary arteries may be associated with an increased cardiovascular risk” [28].
In a 2017 study, researchers investigated the same correlation and found, “An unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile is associated with a marked increase in coronary artery F-NaF [fluorine-18-sodium fluoride] uptake” [29].
Conclusion
In this article, we reviewed nine commonly unknown facts about fluoride. Fluoride is not essential for proper human and oral health. A healthy diet, adequate nutrition, and regular oral care are sufficient for top oral health. Instead, much research has shown the negative effects of fluoridation and fluoride consumption.
If you are looking for a fluoride-free toothpaste that is sweetened with xylitol, which has been shown to aid oral health, check out Healthmasters’ toothpaste and mouthwash products.
Also, if you are interested in learning more about oral health, check out “How to Improve Oral Health.”
If you have questions about any of our products, check out Healthmasters’ Basic Healthy Lifestyle Kit or call our office at 800.726.1834.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2071234
[2] http://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/uploads/cohn-1992.pdf
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/69899
[4] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-CRECB-1975-pt18/pdf/GPO-CRECB-1975-pt18-6.pdf
[5] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-CRECB-1975-pt31/pdf/GPO-CRECB-1975-pt31-3.pdf
[6] Warburg, O., Et al. (2015). The Prime Cause of Cancer (Understand Cancer Series Book 2) (2nd ed.). EnCognitive.com.
[7] http://preventdisease.com/news/articles/071405_flouride_cancer.shtml
[8] http://fluoridealert.org/content/water_europe/
[9] https://www.nature.com/articles/322125a0
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3855733
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26092033
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29786582
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18695947
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19102839
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17450237
[16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21255877
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30647513
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8169995
[19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8169995
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25854509
[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11275672
[22] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29763350
[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24744187
[24] http://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/uploads/fda-2005a.pdf
[25] http://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/uploads/enziflur-1975.pdf
[26] https://fluoridealert.org/articles/fda-1966/
[27] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm
