Mainstream experts catch up on the problems with fluoride

PUBLISHED ON

January 10, 2011

A government study shows that fluoride levels in water and common dental hygiene products are too high. Two out of five adolescents have tooth streaking or spottiness due to excessive fluoride, and in some cases teeth can become pitted.

One study mentioned in the Los Angeles Times found that prolonged exposure to fluoride “can increase the risk of brittle bones, fractures and crippling bone abnormalities.” Other studies have shown that excessive fluoride can cause neurotoxicity and hormone disruption.

According to the Centers for Disease Control,  a 1986-87 study showed that nearly 23% of children ages 12 to 15 had fluorosis. That rose to 41% in a study that covered 1999 through 2004. “It is not the water that’s causing this,” said Dr. Robert Barsley, a professor at Louisiana State University’s Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry. “It’s the extra fluoride products — toothpaste, mouthwash — that people are using. And people want nice white teeth so they brush three times a day.”

Orthodox. Faithful. Free.

Sign up to get Crisis articles delivered to your inbox daily

Email subscribe inline (#4)

In the 1950s, the government began urging municipal water systems to add fluoride, and since then, the chemical has been placed in many other products, including bottled water and soda.

The Department of Health and Human Services is now recommending that the Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates drinking water, enforce a much lower standard. Don’t be surprised to see major brands of toothpaste and mouthwash come out with fluoride-free products very soon.

Complimentary health practitioners must be rolling their eyes. They’ve been sounding the alarm on fluoride intake for years — and they were written off as quacks and weirdos. The same thing happened with acupuncture and vitamin D, and it certainly won’t be last time mainstream professionals show up about 20 years too late to say what holistic health experts have long known. 

Author

  • Zoe Romanowsky

    Zoe Romanowsky is writer, consultant, and coach. Her articles have appeared in “Catholic Digest,” “Faith & Family,” “National Catholic Register,” “Our Sunday Visitor,” “Urbanite,” “Baltimore Eats,” and Godspy.com. Zo

Join the Conversation

Comments are a benefit for financial supporters of Crisis. If you are a monthly or annual supporter, please login to comment. A Crisis account has been created for you using the email address you used to donate.

Donate

There are no comments yet.

Editor's picks

Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00

Orthodox. Faithful. Free.

Signup to receive new Crisis articles daily

Email subscribe stack
Share to...