Free E-book

Toxipedia Supported Sites

IPMopedia - Integrated Pest Management

WANMEC - WA Nuclear Museum & Education Center

Healthy World Press

Healthy World Theater

World Library of Toxicology

Particles on the Wall (POTW)

Attachments

Fluoride Recognition and Management of Fluoride Toxicity

Fluoride Controversy

updated Jul 06, 2009 by sean foley

Overview

Fluoride is the 13th most naturally abundant mineral on earth. It is naturally present in all water supplies and is heavily mined as well. Though it is present in domestic water sources, governments in the United States and in many other places throughout the world began adding fluoride to water supplies in order to improve dental health. Many question this practice on a number of grounds from whether or not there is scientific or health advantages to adding fluoride to water supplies or dental products to the morality of public officials not allowing the public to choose what goes into their own bodies.

Topic editors


Sean Foley
Lead author:
Sean Foley


History of Fluoridation

See Water Flouridation.

Controversy

Fluorine is an extremely toxic mineral and its fluoride compounds are as well. Many question the benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water supplies and dentistry products. Toxipedia has compiled several articles highlighting all aspects of this controversy to allow the reader to delve into the subject with peer-reviewed and published papers highlighting each aspect, pro and con.

Articles in Favor of Fluoridation

Department of Health and Human Services. Review of fluoride: benefits and risks. Report of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Fluoride. Washington, DC. 1991:46.
From the Executive Summary: This report is a comprehensive review and evaluation of the public health benefits and risks of fluoride from drinking water and other sources. Fluoride was first added to public drinking water in the 1940's to prevent tooth decay. While controversy has sometimes surrounded community water fluoridation, over half of the U.S. population is served by drinking water that is fluoridated naturally or adjusted. Additionally, since the 1950's, fluorides have been incorporated into toothpaste, other dental products, and dietary supplements.

Articles Against Flouridation

  • Recognition and Management of Fluoride Toxicity by Hardy Limebeck and Heather Gingerich
    Abstract: There has been a steady increase in the daily intake of fluoride in Canada because of over-exposure to fluorides in dentistry, medicine and the environment. Excessive chronic fluoride intake exposure results in fluorosis that affects not only teeth but many other parts of the body. Many health care professionals, including physicians, may be unfamiliar with the various sources of fluorides and may not recognize the signs and symptoms of acute and chronic fluoride toxicity. The etiology of fluoride toxicity, its recognition and treatment are reviewed. Recommendations are presented to assist dentists, physicians and other health care providers in reducing the body burden of fluoride once the diagnosis of fluoride toxicity has been made.

Labels
  • None