All about Fluoride
Water derived from deep wells is the only fresh water with high levels of fluoride. The high levels of fluorides in the water have wreaked havoc on millions around the world. Those with high consumption of fluoride have been found to suffer serious health ailments such as disfigured tooth, bone disease, ulcers, thyroid conditions and infertility. (Image source:Getty)
What is fluoride?
Fluorides are compounds of fluorine (a naturally occurring gas that irritates eyes, skin, and respiratory system). The mineral occurs naturally in many foods and water. Fluoride’s main benefit is to lower the risk of tooth decay- reason why it is added to many brands of toothpaste and to water supply through a process called fluoridation. (Image source:Getty)
Risks
A review of the National Academy of Science on fluoride claims that fluoride is an “endocrine disruptor” and can affect many parts in the body, including bones, brain, thyroid gland, pineal gland, and even blood sugar levels. Nutrient deficiencies, kidney diseases and diabetes are also linked with high fluoride consumption. (Image source:Getty)
Importance
Fluoride has been an important medicine used in dentistry. It is being used to treat conditions such as tooth decay, as well as bad breath and, often times, tooth sensitivity. Having fluoride in your diet, whether through water, toothpaste or foods that we eat can help strengthen our teeth. (Image source:Getty)
How overexposure of Fluoride affects Health?
Like many other minerals, fluoride in high levels can be harmful. The overexposure of the mineral can lead to dental or skeletal fluorosis. Skeletal fluorosis changes the structure of the bones, bend the limbs, calcify the ligaments or cause muscle impairment. Over-exposure of fluoride is also linked with pregnancy complications. (Image source:Getty)
Prevention
If you come to know that the place you live in fluoridates its water supply, there are a few options available to avoid drinking the fluoride that is added. You can drink spring water as it contains very low levels of fluoride. Water filtration and water distillation are the other options that you have. (Image source:Getty)
Symptoms of Fluoride Poisoning
Stiff, painful joints with or without swelling, painful feet in morning, dental fluorosis, painful lumps where tendons and ligaments attach to bones and muscle weakness are the common symptoms of fluoride poisoning. Tummy trouble is another sign of fluoride poisoning. (Image source:Getty)
Brain Health
A study at the Harvard University suggests that children who live in areas with highly fluoridated water have "significantly lower" IQ scores than those who live in low-fluoride areas. (Image source:Getty)
Oral
Fluoride is a natural part of tooth enamel and bone. The presence of fluoride on the tooth surface makes plaque (germs) less able to cause decay. Adding fluoride to drinking water at an optimal level is not harmful to your oral health but high-doses can cause damage. (Image source:Getty)
Deficiency
Fluoride is a structural component of bones and teeth. The mineral protects against dental caries, increasing the resistance to plaque acids on teeth. The deficiency of fluoride increases the risk for dental caries and osteoporosis. (Image source:Getty)
