These Fluoride Health Hazards May Make You Rethink Your Oral Care

Too Much Fluoride is Bad For the Environment

Excessive fluoride isn’t just potentially harmful to health; it can also have negative effects on the environment. Although fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in the environment, too much is dangerous to plants, animals, and other organisms. When large amounts of fluoride are released into the environment, usually through industrial pollution, it can accumulate in the environment and inside living organisms. This leads to toxicity and other negative effects. For example, high levels of fluoride have been found to disrupt aquatic ecosystems, altering the pH. This is harmful to many marine animals like brine shrimp and freshwater fish, especially the developing young. Like humans, fluoride exposure is also linked to dental fluorosis and bone abnormalities in other large mammals like deer and cows. Plants and microorganisms are also vulnerable to high fluoride levels. The chemical can seep into the soil and water. When this happens, the environment may become uninhabitable for the growth of certain microbes and plant life.

How To Avoid Excessive Fluoride Exposure

Now that you know the potential health risks of fluoride, you might be wondering how to avoid consuming too much. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to prevent excessive fluoride exposure. First, it’s important to be aware of where you’re being exposed to fluoride. In countries that fluoridate drinking water, that’s likely your primary source of the mineral. Dental care products like toothpaste and mouthwash are the other major source. Fluoride-enriched table salt and certain types of tea are also high in fluoride. You can speak with your dentist about low-fluoride alternatives for oral care. Don’t take fluoride supplements unless prescribed by a doctor. Be careful to avoid swallowing oral care products. In areas with higher natural fluoride levels, you might need to opt for bottled or treated tap water.

Where Do We Find This Stuff? Here Are Our Sources:

Fluoride: Risks, uses, and side effects

What Is Fluoride, and Is It Safe?

Fluoride | The Nutrition Source

Fluoride Health Professional Fact Sheet

What are the possible health effects of fluoride, and what is the latest evidence about them?

Fluoride: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions

Fluoride: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects.