Proponents of water fluoridation are not having a very good year. It seems each month has been punctuated with a new study that shows how dangerous water fluoridation can be. Most recently, the world’s largest fluoride study linked fluoridated water with hypothyroidism in the United Kingdom. Studies like this raise serious “red flags” according to Harvard University physician, Dr. Philippe Grandjean (i). Other Harvard researchers agree, saying fluoride is similar to lead, mercury, and other poisons known to cause “chemical brain drain” (ii).
And while it is encouraging to see so many physicians and world-renowned health institutions spread awareness for the risks associated with water fluoridation, it is also alarming to see how much farther there is to go. Most of the cities in the United States still have water fluoridation programs, through which residents are exposed to potentially toxic levels of this controversial mineral. Over-exposure to fluoride is common and may cause a variety of serious side effects, including dental fluorosis (permanent discoloration of enamel), thyroid disease, kidney disease, and lowered IQ in children, just to name a few.
Now, a new study links fluoride consumption with increased rates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children.
Study Links Water Fluoridation with ADHD
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that the National Institute of Health ranks as one of the most common conditions faced by children in the United States (iii). ADHD is characterized by a cluster of symptoms, including difficulty paying attention, inability to focus, over-activity, and difficulty controlling behavior. Increased rates of ADHD are serious, as the condition is known to jeopardize a child’s ability to learn, socialize, achieve goals, and perform well in school. And children who live in communities where fluoride is added to the water seem to be at particularly high risk.
According to a new study published in the journal, Environmental Health, American cities where artificial fluoride is added to the water also have a higher rate of ADHD among their children (iv). Commenting on the alarming new study, author Ashley Malin says:
“States in which a greater proportion of people received artificially-fluoridated water in 1992 tended to have a greater proportion of children and adolescents who received ADHD diagnoses [in later years], after controlling for socioeconomic status,” (v)
Elaborating on the study, UMass-Amherst researcher Thomas Zoeller says, “Given the number of children in the U.S. exposed to fluoridation, it is important to follow this up,” (vi).
Fluoride: Needed for Oral Health?
In the early 1950s, water fluoridation programs were initially formed as a way to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is known to harden tooth enamel, although patients are often shocked to learn that there is no clinical evidence that support fluoride’s ability to prevent cavities. Moreover, drinking artificial fluoride exposes the entire body to the dangerous chemical, which is known to accumulate in the soft tissues of the body. Accumulation is highest in the Pineal gland, an important area of the brain that regulates the onset of puberty and plays a vital role in maintaining natural sleep cycles (vii).
In short, there is no need for fluoridated water. Communities of all sizes are eliminating fluoride programs in growing numbers; at the end of 2013, for example, Israel announced a state-wide ban of the controversial and dangerous practice.
Holistic Dentistry: Healthy Smiles, Without Fluoride
As practitioners of biological dentistry, holistic dentists believe in providing dental services in a less toxic, more individualized, and more environmentally friendly way. Naturally, there is no room for fluoride in such an office.
Assure A Smile is proud to be a holistic, fluoride-free dental practice. Long term patient health and comfort are placed at the forefront of every exam, treatment, and procedure we perform. Toxic chemicals like fluoride and mercury-rich dental amalgam (silver fillings) are never used. Instead, patient exams and procedures are conducted using only biocompatible materials known to be less toxic and minimally invasive.
To learn more, schedule an appointment online or call our front desk directly at 305-274-0047.
Sources
(i) “Water Fluoridation May Increase Risk of Underactive Thyroid Disorder.” Newsweek.com. Published 24 February 2015.
(ii) “Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA Standards.” National Academy of Sciences. Accessed 28 May 2013.
(iii) http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/index.shtml?rf=71264
(iv) http://www.ehjournal.net/content/14/1/17/abstract
(v) http://www.newsweek.com/water-fluoridation-linked-higher-adhd-rates-312748
(vi) See above.
(vii) Luke, Jennifer M.D. Fluoride Deposition in the Aged Human Pineal Gland. International Center for Nutritional Research, Inc. ICNR.com.
