Fluoride is a ubiquitous chemical found in almost every brand of toothpaste and added to many public water systems. Debates over its safety and efficacy have raged for decades, and now the National Academy of Sciences has admitted that it can cause long-term damage to your bones and teeth.

Researchers found that children exposed to federally allowed limits of fluoride experience severe flourosis - a condition characterized by discoloration, pitting and a loss of tooth enamel. They also concluded that people who are exposed to fluoride in their drinking water are likely to experience a higher risk of bone fractures.

While fluoride is a naturally occurring compound, the chemicals used to fluoridate water are not natural. In fact, they are a byproduct of the wet scrubbing systems of the superphosphate fertilizer industry! 

Scientists agree that in high enough doses fluoride is toxic - enough so that it has been used as rat poison. You may have also noticed that fluoridated toothpastes must carry a warning to call poison control if you should swallow more than what is used for one brushing.

Add to this the following statistics:

• Almost every western European country has rejected water fluoridation.

• When given a chance to vote, 2/3’s of US communities have rejected fluoridation.

• Fluoride is a cumulative poison. Your kidneys are only able to excrete 50% of what you ingest on a given day.

• The remaining 50% of the chemical is stored in your bones, pineal gland and other tissues.

• Five separate studies in China have shown an association between fluoride exposure and a reduction in children’s IQ’s.

• Once in the water supply, there is no way to monitor the dose that an individual gets.

If, like an ever growing number of people, you are concerned about being exposed to dangerous amounts of fluoride, there are some steps you can take to protect your self and your family. First, find out if your water system is fluoridated. If so, invest in a good water filter rated for removing fluoride. You can also look in your local natural foods market for toothpastes that do not contain fluoride. A little effort can go a long way toward health.