Frequently Asked Questions about Fluoride in Toothpaste

What kind of fluoride is used in toothpaste?

This is a bit technical. Pro-fluoridationists like to say “the fluoride ion is the fluoride ion.” However this is misleading since fluoride supplements have included sodium fluoride (Naf)(the one used in rat studies), other mineral salts of fluoride, and two varieties of silicon-fluorides (SiFs) that are made from waste products of the fertilizer industry. These SiFs not only have different effects than NaF but also are contaminated with numerous toxic compounds. These are the “fluorides” that are most commonly put in fluoride water.

Does this fluoride actually help with dental health?

Topical fluoride applied directly to teeth (as in toothpaste) works by killing Strep mutans, the bacterial that turns sugar and starches into acid that dissolves enamel. This, of course, inhibits the Strep mutans. The problem is that each brushing with fluoridated toothpaste results in the absorption of fluoride (through the mouth and gingival tissue) equal to that of a day’s worth of fluoridated water. When taken systemically, as by swallowing it or from depot injections, most authorities agree that fluoride has no dental benefit. Fluoride contamination of bottled drinks and foods is so ubiquitous that all children in the U.S. are fluoridated by diet alone. There is no need to add more. There are good studies that prove that the major difference in so-called “fluoridated” children and “un-fluoridated” children is an increase in dental fluorosis, with no difference in cavity rates.

Is fluoridation beneficial for Drinking Water?

No, there is no evidence in the past 20 years of any benefit of fluoride in drinking water. The historical references supposedly claiming a dental benefit have all been found to be badly designed or deliberately deceptive. When re-examinations of dental health in cities (such as Grand Forks, Newburg, etc.) that were used in early fluoride tests, it is found that there is no difference in the dental health of the children when compared to non-fluoridated cities.

Why did European Countries ban the use Fluoridation?

European countries and Japan have banned fluoridation because their scientists found no credible evidence of benefit and did find sufficient concerns regarding the safety of fluoride in drinking water. Our scientists at the EPA are unanimous in their opinion that fluoridation should be discontinued. Unfortunately, the EPA administrators are politically appointed people who are aligned with the major industries and therefore they continue to maintain the mythical virtues of fluoride.

What is dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis ? Is there growing evidence of other even more serious medical consequences?

Dental fluorosis is a fluoride-induced destructive process that appears as mottling of the teeth that are in contact with fluoridated water when drinking it. The mottling may be slightly or severe, in which case the teeth have dark spots that socially undesirable and difficult to treat. In addition, the strength of the enamel is poor in children with dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis should be considered a marker for fluoride toxicity elsewhere in the body, such as the bones. It causes accumulation of calcium fluoride in bones, joints, and ligaments, and may even make the bones look more dense on X-ray. However, the quality of the bones (and specially bone strength) is decreased by fluoride. An Editorial in the NEJM of decade or more ago was entitled “ Fluoride and Bone-Quantity Yes, Quantity No.” Over time, the spinal bones become more rigidly bound together, thus inhibiting normal flexion, and the spine becomes essentially rigid (known as poker-back spine). Fluoride also causes painful joints and ligaments. The early stages of skeletal fluorosis can not be diagnosed by X-ray. Patients with the early stages (called pre-clinical) of skeletal fluorosis are frequently misdiagnosed as arthritis and treated non-steroid anti-inflammatory  drugs, usually without success. Even when, in the more advance cases, the X-ray shows more dense bones, the diagnosis of fluoride toxicity is rarely made in the U.S.

Are there any studies relating Fluoridation to current diseases or illnesses?

Yes, see above.

What can we do?

Some easy changes to improve the situation are eliminating fluoride from the public water supply, and avoid using fluoridated toothpaste. Other sources are more difficult to avoid. Effluent from industries contaminate our rivers and streams. Even if your community does not fluoridate its water, it is possible that you live downstream from communities that do fluoridate. Companies that sell bottled drinks should be made to indicate the fluoride concentration in the drinks they sell. At present, the nutritional information listed on food items does not include fluoride. Atmospheric fluoride occurs when some industry allows fluoride waste to spew out of its smokestacks. It can kill trees 50 miles downwind, and will contaminate the pastures and fields where cows graze or crops are grown. Fluoride in our foods chain is so high that the fluoride absorbed from children’s food is equal to the daily dose once promulgated as optimal by fluoridation promoters. Just for that reason alone, there is no reason to add additional fluoride to anyone.