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Fluoride in Water and Fluoride Water Filters
Good strong teeth in a child is a priority to conscientious parents and fluoride in water is considered by many to help achieve that. Yet, in spite of the advancements in dental care, more than one fourth of 2 to 5 year olds, and half of kids 12 to 15, have one or more cavities. Further, tooth decay has affected two thirds teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19. These statistics and other disturbing facts about the dangers of fluoride in water have parents increasingly purchasing fluoride water filters.
Many agree with studies that seem to indicate that adding fluoride to public water will decrease the problem of tooth decay, while others strongly disagree. Fluoride is the 13th most common element in the earth’s crust and exists naturally in water. Some water has sufficient natural fluoride, but what if it is not naturally present? Should fluoride be added to water systems? The debate about fluoride won’t be settled here. Rather, the purpose of this article is to consider a few of these points, and to give you some options.
Supporters of Fluoride in Water
Supporters of fluoridation state, “Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20-40%….It is well known that fluoride helps prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay.” These statements have the authority of a trained doctor. Similarly, “For over 60 years, water fluoridation has proven to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental cavities.”
Those favoring use of fluoride in general claim that its presence combats tooth decay in two ways. First, it strengthens the developing teeth and second, it aids the surface of the teeth by preventing the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque from dissolving, or demineralizing tooth enamel. Fluoride also allows teeth damaged by acid to remineralize, or repair themselves. It won’t repair cavities, but it can reverse minor tooth decay and prevent new cavities from forming.
Opponents of Fluoride in Water
The evidence for fluoride as part of dental care is well supported, however the data supporting the benefits of adding fluoride in water is not as strong. Opponents state; “There is no difference in the tooth decay rates of the fluoridated and nonfluoridated water regions surveyed.” They claim that increased amount of fluoride in children can actually increase tooth decay. Too much fluoride during the teeth developing years can cause enamel fluorosis, a mottling or discoloration of the permanent teeth. To add fluoride to water, along with toothpaste and treatments can exceed the maximum level that is safe. Read the back of your toothpaste and you’ll learn that fluoride poisoning is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, increased salivation, or increased thirst with symptoms lasting up to 24 hours but appear within 30 minutes after ingestion. Are we slowly poisoning our bodies with continuous low levels of fluoride in our water? Wouldn’t younger children be more susceptible?
Those opposed to the added fluoride say the studies have not considered it’s long range effects. They claim it is directly linked to changes in bone structure and strength, cancer, impairs the immune system, causes birth defects and perinatal deaths, causes initial stages of skeletal fluorosis, inhibits key enzymes, causes osteoarthritis, and suppresses thyroid function. What do they say about the studies that prove that fluoride in water is good for dental hygiene? The studies had several flaws. First, they did not consider the differences between “natural fluoride” (ex: CaF) and added fluoride in water (ex: NaF). Second, these studies did not consider the other minerals in the water and these could actually be the cause of decreased instances of tooth decay. Third, adequate risk analysis was lacking with dental fluorosis as the only barometer for safety being included.
Berkey Fluoride Water Filters
Fluoride Water Filters
If your conclusion from these points is that fluoride should not be in your drinking water, what are your options? Some opt for bottled water, but this can get expensive. A better alternative is to purchase a fluoride water filter. Some expensive units do this, yet there are also more affordable systems that provide optional fluoride water filters. Berkey water filter systems, for example, have available an additional fluoride filter that can be attached below the primary black berkeys and will remove fluoride from the water. If you don’t want fluoride, you don’t have to drink it.
Tags: berkey fluoride, berkey fluoride water filters, drinking water fluoride, fluoride filter, fluoride filters, fluoride in water, fluoride water filter, fluoride water filters, removing fluoride from water
[...] now, many of you are aware of the bodily risks that fluoride in your water presents. Fluoride toxicity harms bones, causes stiff joints, encourages skeletal abnormalities, raises the risk of cancer, [...]
There is plenty of evidence that small amounts of fluoride can damage your teeth, bones, brain, thyroid function, and cause cancer. Given that fluoride is a hazardous by-product of the aluminum industry, this shouldn’t shock people, but many people are unaware of this situation. My city of Louisville actually believes the myths spread by the ADA and a few others that benefit financially, or they have too much too lose.
A hazardous chemical that has the wonderful benefit of lowering cavitites and no side effects? Believe it or not. I don’t. Read your tube of toothpaste and it will tell you to call CDC Center for Disease Control if a small does is swallowed. Why? Hmm. An 8 ounce glass of water from most cities has the same amount, but no warning!
Very educational berkey water filter info - always spread the word. Looking forward to an update. For too long now have I had the need to begin my personal blog. Guess if I put it off any longer I will never ever take action. I’ll be sure to add you to my Blogroll. Many thanks!!