These Fluoride Health Hazards May Make You Rethink Your Oral Care

Some People Have Allergic Reactions to Fluoride

In rare cases, exposure to fluoride can cause an allergic reaction, leading to symptoms such as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Fluoride allergies are extremely rare and most commonly occur with topical exposure, such as through dental products rather than through ingestion. One of the most common signs of a fluoride allergy is itching or burning on the roof of your mouth after using products that contain the ingredient. People with fluoride allergies may also experience swollen, irritated gums and swelling of the tongue. If severe enough, tongue swelling can be fatal. Swollen or cracked lips, a rash around the mouth, and sores inside the mouth are other possible symptoms of an allergic reaction to fluoride. However, fluoride is not the only ingredient in toothpaste that can cause allergic reactions. It may be necessary to consult your dentist or doctor to determine what is responsible.

Fluoride Exposure May Increase the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

There is some evidence that people in areas with very high natural fluoride levels in the environment are at higher risk of high blood pressure. For example, several studies found a potential association between hypertension and fluoride levels in regions where fluorosis is endemic. But the evidence for a link between high blood pressure and fluoride from other sources is far less clear. Several animal studies suggest a possible link between fluoride exposure and cardiovascular disease. One study found that consumption of fluoride-enriched salt increased children’s and teens’ cardiometabolic risk scores, which measures risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases like diabetes. However, because the study assessed salt intake, it serves as a poor comparison to fluoridated water intake studies.

Fluoride Exposure Could Be Linked to Breakouts

One of the more controversial potential risk factors of fluoride exposure is acne. Some people, including celebrities, swear that cutting fluoride got rid of their acne. But experts point out there’s not much evidence to support this claim. Research in the 1970s suggested that fluoride exposure could be associated with “acne-like eruptions.” But more recent research doesn’t show a link between fluoride and acne. Some people hypothesize that hormone issues related to excess fluoride exposure may contribute to breakouts. But, at least for now, no thyroid hormones have been definitely linked to acne breakouts. It is possible that other hormones that are related to acne, such as androgens, may be impacted by fluoride exposure. This topic has not yet been investigated. However, thyroid dysfunction can cause skin issues like eczema which may be confused with acne. Additionally, hypothyroidism is associated with dry, flaky skin, which can sometimes make you more vulnerable to breakouts.

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.