Recent Dangers of Fluoride and 5 Alternatives to Consider

Fluoride has been the dental health staple for over 70 years. It was believed that fluoride quickly brought tooth decay to a halt and was therefore added to the public water supply in 1944 and toothpaste shortly thereafter.

Today, fluoride is used in practically every dental practice, from toothpaste and mouthwash to in-office procedures. However, after nearly a century of use, fluoride is currently being linked as a possible, underlying cause of thyroid, brain, bone and possibly various cancer related issues.

These recent dangers of fluoride and 5 alternatives to consider are slowly coming to light, however, for an industry that is embedded in supplying this mineral derived from rocks and soil, such information is not easily released.

IQ Compromise

A study reported by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health (7/25/12) stated that,

“Extremely high levels of fluoride are known to cause neurotoxicity in adults, and negative impacts on memory and learning have been reported in rodent studies, but little is known about the substance’s impact on children’s neurodevelopment.”

However, in the short film ‘Fluoride Deception’, according to author Mike Adams,

“One study conducted by the Center for Endemic Disease Control in China found that each additional milligram of fluoride detected in every liter of a child’s urine was associated with a 0.59 point decrease in their IQ score. Another study found that fluoride exposure slashed the number of children achieving ‘high IQs’ by more than 70 percent.”

Bone Cancer

Many studies have been conducted on the effects of fluoride as a possible link to osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Several theories show how fluoride may slowly embed itself into the growth plates of bones during adolescence. Over time, it is believed that fluoride could unnaturally accelerate bone growth and lead to osteosarcoma.

The National Toxicity Program (NTP) conducted a two-year rodent experiment of fluoride effects. It was reported that none of the rodents drinking fluoride-free water developed cancer, but of the males that consumed 45 ppm (parts per million) fluoride water, one developed osteosarcoma and four of 80 male drinking 79 ppm developed osteosarcoma.

More studies are being conducted as evidence mounts linking fluoride to bone cancer.

Hypothyroidism

Often called an under active thyroid, hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is unable to produce enough hormones to run the body. As a result, everything from your heart, brain, muscles and skin are affected. Lifelong prescribed medicine is often the protocol to manage hypothyroidism.

Now, recent evidence is pointing to a link between continued use of fluoride and the development of hypothyroidism.

Alternative Daily reports on a recent study that points to this finding,

“The groundbreaking study, which examined data from 99 percent of general medical practices in England, found that fluoridated water consumption might increase one’s risk of hypothyroidism. The study found that in locations where fluoride levels in tap water were over 0.3 milligrams per liter, ones risk of hypothyroidism increased by 30 percent.”

Interestingly, fluoride is actually used in medication to treat hypothyroidism. It has been found to interfere with the absorption of excessive levels of iodine which can lead to hypothyroidism.

Initially it was believed that only high doses of fluoride were dangerous but now, studies are showing, lower doses could be problematic. Therefore, the use of fluoride in dental care products, medicine and the public water supply are becoming suspect.

Bladder Cancer

Another cancer that may be related to fluoride is bladder cancer.

The Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) conducted a study which was published in the Oxford Journals (vol 96, issue 10) that concluded,

“We therefore believe that fluoride should be considered a possible cause of bladder cancer and a contributory cause of primary lung cancer.”

5 Alternatives to Fluoride

Talk to your dentist and naturopathic doctor about fluoride alternatives that may work for you. For centuries many believe that specific, natural sources for dental health continue to work just as well fluoride.

5 alternatives to fluoride that you may want to try are:

• Neem Leaf Extract – Look for this ingredient in fluoride-free toothpaste found in good health food stores.
• Coconut Oil – The anti-bacterial properties in coconut oil make it a great alternative to conventional toothpaste. Also, rinsing your mouth with coconut oil for about 10 minutes, known as oil pulling, has been shown to effectively combat gingivitis.
• Ozonated Olive Oil – This olive oil is processed with “ozone injection” which the Journal of Natural Science and Biology cites a study that claims it may be more effective than traditional dental methods.
• Oregano Oil – This is a spicy oil that you only need a drop of on your toothbrush. Some prefer diluting it with water. Either way the antibacterial benefits are powerful enough to reduce  cavities, decrease mouth bacteria, and fight plaque.
• Myrrh – Oil of myrrh is another ingredient to look for in non-fluoride options. Also, because of a specific compound in myrrh that is toxic to mouth odor, it has been suggested as an excellent remedy for halitosis (bad breath).

These recent dangers of fluoride and 5 alternatives to consider show how science is continually changing despite original efforts for the betterment of mankind, particularly its teeth.