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In 1945, the American Dental Association (ADA) suggested that we add Fluoride to our drinking water to help combat the current tooth decay & cavity crisis that was affecting Americans. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in our environment found in lakes, rivers, and streams. It helps strengthen teeth by binding to the minerals in teeth and reenforcing the integrity of teeth. However, after 70 years of overexposure to fluoride, scientists have found that it might not be so great after all.

The fluoridation of public water has been controversial for many years and we now know that fluoride has been shown to negatively affect brain development, cognition, metabolism, and endocrine function. There have been several studies that have specially shown a correlation between excess fluoride and fetal brain development, lower IQ scores in children, thyroid dysfunction, and cerebral impairment; which is associated with weakness, lethargy, inability to concentrate, behavioral disorders, and memory issues.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that 1 out of 3 children in the U.S., between the ages of 6 and 11, and 2 out of 5 children, between the ages of 12 to 15, possess some degree of dental fluorosis, or overexposure to fluoride, causing discoloration and mineral damage.

Because most Americans are now exposed to fluoride in their drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwash, certain foods, etc., pharmacist and functional medicine doctor, Dr. John Kim, recommends reconsidering fluoride toothpaste and switching to a toothpaste containing xylitol and hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite comprises 95% of tooth composition and helps remineralize teeth, just as fluoride does. The best part is, the Environmental Working Group has evaluated its safety and has rated it a 1, meaning it is not suspected to be an environmental toxin, not suspected to be potentially toxic or harmful and not suspected to be bioaccumulation.

Fluoride Free Toothpaste Brands I Recommend:

Risewell: https://risewell.com/

Lumineux by Oral Essentials: https://oralessentials.com/products/whitening-toothpaste-3-75oz

Resources for you to learn more:

The Use of Fluoride in Infants and Children: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2798610/

Developmental Fluoride Neurotoxicity: An Updated Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6923889/

Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of the EPA’s Standards (Free Download) https://www.nap.edu/download/11571

How to Check the Fluoride in Your Water (CDC): https://nccd.cdc.gov/doh_mwf/default/default.aspx

Prenatal Fluoride Exposure and Cognitive Outcomes in Children 4 and 6-12 years of age in Mexico: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp655

International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT): Fluoride Facts: https://iaomt.org/resources/fluoride-facts/?cn-reloaded=1

Chart of Dental Products that May Contain Fluoride (IAOMT): https://files.iaomt.org/wp-content/uploads/IAOMT-Chart-of-Dental-Products-that-May-Contain-Fluoride.pdf