Fluoride is one of the many minerals that occur naturally in food and water. Although medical experts claim that fluoride is beneficial to the body, there are many half-truths and conjectures concerning its use, especially about the water supply, in terms of health. Therefore, it is not surprising to find alarming information about fluoride being peddled around.
Unfortunately, a lot of this information continues to cause concerns regarding the usefulness and safety of fluoride. But the truth is that much of this information is based on hearsay, not facts. For this reason, you need to familiarize yourself with the facts about fluoride so that you can easily separate them from the fabrications. Here, we give you the most common myths and facts about fluoride.
Myths and Facts About Fluoride
Myth: If you drink water with fluoride, you will develop fluorosis.
Fact: Only huge amounts of fluoride can cause fluorosis. So, it is practically impossible for the amount of fluoride added to drinking water to cause fluorosis. For instance, in America, the fluoride amount found in drinking water cannot cause this condition. Even in the most unlikely event that this happens, the problem is completely mild.
Myth: Fluoride is unsafe for kids.
Fact: When used for the intended purposes, fluoride cannot be a danger to kids. Studies have shown that taking fluorinated water frequently helps the teeth to develop fully and become strong. Furthermore, this mineral helps to avert future teeth decay and loss.
Myth: It is very costly for communities to fluoridate their drinking water.
Fact: Adding fluoride to your drinking water is one of the most accessible and most affordable ways to prevent tooth decay. It is less expensive to add fluoride to water than to treat oral complications that result from tooth decay.
Myth: Frequent consumption of fluoridated water increases the risk of getting cancer.
Fact: Different studies have revealed that drinking fluoridated water does not expose you to the risk of getting cancer, diabetes, kidney problems, heart complications, or any other serious health problem. The Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians have certified fluorinated water as safe.
Myth: Fluoridated drinking water doesn’t prevent tooth decay.
Fact: Many studies done in America and Europe have shown that fluoride reduces tooth decay in both adults and children.
Myth: Fluoride increases the risk of autism.
Fact: Despite all the studies that have been done, there is no evidence to prove this claim.
