Tooth Be Told

It is my hope that this column will be another way to connect to you and give you insight

into my whole-body approach to health and wellness as we embark on a new year,

2025!

In this month’s edition of Tooth Be Told, I’d like to talk about fluoride. What is fluoride,

and what are the exposure modalities? Let’s also discuss the increased opposition to

water fluoridation.

First, fluoride is the ionic form of fluorine, the thirteenth most abundant element in the

Earth’s crust. It is released into the environment naturally in both water and air. We care

about fluoride because it is scientifically proven to stop, reverse, and prevent tooth

decay in people of all ages. Fluoride has both anticariogenic and antibacterial properties

by replacing missing minerals in the teeth and stops the growth of bacteria that decay

teeth.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the U.S. Public Health Service

recommends 0.7mg/L (.7ppm) as the optimal concentration of fluoride in water to help

prevent tooth decay. That is less that one part per million or about the same as three

drops of fluoride in a 55-gallon barrel. Fluoride at this low level is safe and effective in

preventing tooth decay. In the early 1900s, dentists in Colorado Springs noticed their

patients had brown stains on their teeth yet no cavities.

The Colorado Springs water naturally had 2-13.7ppm fluoride in their water. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan added fluoride to their public water to the safe level of .7ppm and in just 10 years, they recorded a reduction in tooth decay in children by 60% and complete tooth loss in adults was drastically reduced.

In combination with fluoridated water, topically applied fluoride (toothpaste) leads to a

reduction in tooth decay. Primarily, acute fluoride toxicity is most common prior to the

age of six years old, due to ingestion of fluoride toothpastes. Acute toxicity is

characterized by non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Chronic fluoride toxicity is

caused by high fluoride concentrations in drinking water and the use of fluoride

supplements. The ingestion of high doses leads to dental fluorosis, a cosmetic disorder

where the teeth become mottled.

There is an increasing opposition to fluoridation for a few reasons. Fluoride intake

through fluoridated water is uncontrollable, since people are receiving varying doses

and drink different amounts of water. Additionally, water might get contaminated with

toxic chemicals and not every country analyzes their water and potential contaminants.

Fluoride can be received from other sources such as topical applications that have been

effective when delivered to the teeth. Lastly, excessive fluoride intake may cause dental

fluorosis.

The absence of dental care and poor hygiene are still considered the main cause of

tooth decay. Although complex in origin, the disease of tooth decay, known as caries, is a

preventable disease, with fluoride as a preventative agent used worldwide.