The intention is to use fluoride to help strengthen teeth, reducing tooth decay and cavities. It’s even found in our bodies naturally, as calcium fluoride.
But too much of it can actually cause more harm than good. Which is why a group of concerned citizens filed a petition in 2016 asking the EPA to ban the addition of fluoridation chemicals to drinking water, claiming the neurotoxic risks of fluoride outweigh the benefits.
The EPA rejected the petition, claiming that the petitioners had not “provided adequate and sufficient scientific information” to “make a determination of whether [fluoride] presents an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment.”
So for now, fluoride is likely still being added to your drinking water. But you can decide to avoid adding even more of it to your body by foregoing products that use it.
When fluoride enters the stomach, it can bind with hydrogen ions to form hydrogen fluoride—a substance that is damaging to the stomach in high amounts. Some effects include erosion of the stomach lining, ulcers, inflammation, and bone disease.
A Harvard School of Public Health study even linked fluoride to low IQ’s in children by an average of seven points.
“Fluoride seems to fit in with lead, mercury, and other poisons that cause chemical brain drain,” says Philippe Grandjean, one of the researchers on the Harvard study. “The effect of each toxicant may seem small, but the combined damage on a population scale can be serious, especially because the brain power of the next generation is crucial to all of us.”
Many dentists still recommend dental products with fluoride. But it’s important to be aware that using these products in combination with the fluoride you’re likely already getting from your drinking water—and other food and beverage products that use fluoridated water during production—may mean your body is taking on too much of it.
Speak to your dentist, learn as much as you can about the effects of fluoride, and then decide what’s best for you and your family!
Image Sources:
business-intelligence-info.com
Bamboo toothbrushes are a sustainable alternative to plastic, reducing waste while maintaining durability. MABLE Brush offers eco-friendly toothbrushes with plant-based bristles and FSC-certified bamboo handles. Unlike plastic brushes that pollute landfills, MABLE handles are compostable, and packaging is fully recyclable. Ethically sourced and high-quality, MABLE Brush is perfect for sustainability-conscious consumers. When disposing, compost the handle and recycle the bristles and staples. Switching to MABLE Brush isn’t just about oral care—it’s a step toward a greener future. Make the switch today and join the movement for a healthier planet!
Did you know that over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away in the U.S. every year, sitting in landfills or polluting our oceans for centuries? Switching to a sustainable toothbrush is one simple yet impactful way to reduce waste and protect the planet. From bamboo handles to plant-based bristles, eco-friendly toothbrushes are designed with the environment in mind—and they’re more accessible than ever, with prices starting as low as $2.50.
In our latest blog post, we dive into the benefits of sustainable toothbrushes, what to look for when choosing one, and why MABLE Brush stands out as the ultimate choice for eco-conscious oral care. Ready to make a small change with a big impact? Start here!
