An explosive U.S. government report has recently been released that links high fluoride exposure to a lower IQ in children. This is a highly significant report, as it is the first time a federal agency (who are historically pro-fluoride institutions), has acknowledged the potential neurological risks of fluoride in an official capacity.
Traditionally, fluoride is heralded as the miracle tool for dental health, as it has been shown to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities.
However, there is growing concern that some people are now overexposed to fluoride, and investigations are now taking place on what kind of effect this may be having.
Key Findings of the NTP Report
The question on everyone’s lips is what exactly the NTP report found. The report was sparked by concern that overall combined fluoride exposure from our drinking water, water-added products, and dental products was reaching excessive amounts and potentially causing negative impacts on some members of society, particularly children. Thus, the NTP began this study in 2016 to see if there was a link between fluoride exposure and neurodevelopment and cognition.
The ultimate conclusion of the study was the indication that higher levels of fluoride exposure (meaning exposure of more than 1.5 milligrams) are associated with a lower IQ in children. The way that the research was conducted was to emulate fluoride exposure from sources, rather than just solely drinking water.
The NTP employs a scale of four different confidence rankings when evaluating evidence that links exposure to a specific substance and an outcome.
These range from high, moderate, low, and very low. For this specific study, NTP has decided on “moderate” confidence in the scientific evidence supporting the link between high fluoride exposure and lower IQs in children, which indicates that the science within this study is relatively sound and conclusive.
While this finding is extremely concerning, it is important to note that the study also produced insufficient data to determine whether the typical low-fluoride exposure of 0.7 mg/L that is typically seen in the United States water supplies has a negative effect on the IQ of children. It is also noteworthy that there was no evidence of adverse effects on cognition abilities in adults.
As this report was primarily based on studies in non-U.S. countries with much higher fluoride exposure, further research is needed in this field. Particularly, there is now a need for significantly more research on the health risks of lower fluoride exposure than we typically see in the United States.
Sources of Fluoride Exposure: Tap Water, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash and Beyond
The contentious debate surrounding fluoride exposure often revolves around whether it should be present in our drinking water.
However, there are many other sources of fluoride that we can be exposed to which contribute to our overall intake.
In fact, the NTP report explicitly mentioned that “there is a concern, however, that some pregnant women and children may be getting more fluoride than they need because they now get fluoride from many sources, including treated public water, water-added foods and beverages, teas, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash, and the combined total intake of fluoride may exceed safe amounts.”
Fluoridation of our water began in 1945, when fluoride was added into the water in Grand Rapids Michigan, following a series of studies that suggested potential positive impacts on teeth.
From there, fluoridation of drinking water was slowly rolled out across the country, and now 42 of the 50 states have fluoride-containing tap water. Initially, it was painted as one of the greatest public health achievements in the history of the country, with many viewing it as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.
However, there has been recent concern raised by the NTP about the potential risks of high fluoride levels in drinking water, as is evidenced by the aforementioned report linking high levels of exposure to lower IQs.
Roughly 72.7% of the population receives fluoridated water, and 21% of the population receives water with naturally occurring fluoride. This leads to a significant risk of over-exposure to fluoride beyond the recommended levels, which could raise alarm bells.
Furthermore, it is not just our drinking water that exposes us to fluoride. Other products contain fluoride, and considering that most of these are used daily, they contribute to the overall fluoride intake. These include;
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Water-added beverages such as tea and coffee
- Sosa
The presence of fluoride in such a wide range of products means we need to consider the cumulative impact of fluoride from all sources, not just water.
This is especially crucial for kids, as the research has shown that they may be at risk from overexposure to fluoride.
So, Is Fluoride Bad for Kids?
After reading the NTP report, it is only natural to ask if fluoride is bad for kids. Unfortunately, we cannot give you a straight answer on this, as it is inherently complex.
While fluoride is undeniably beneficial for dental health, evidence from reports such as the aforementioned one from NTP suggests that high levels of fluoride exposure can be harmful, especially for the younger members of our society. What is of particular concern is the report's indication that high fluoride levels can have a negative impact on a child’s developing brain, which raises significant health-related red flags.
The issue is that while some fluoride exposure can be beneficial, exposure from so many sources can contribute to excessive intake, especially in children.
Between their tap water, dental products, and even some foods, they are at risk of exceeding the recommended fluoride intake, which could negatively influence their health.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the risks, especially at lower exposure levels which are more commonly seen within our communities.
Nevertheless, caution when it comes to fluoride is absolutely warranted, as the science shows that we need to be conscious of overexposure.
Minimizing Fluoride Intake in Children
While more research is needed concerning lower fluoride exposure levels, the findings of the NTP report indicate that it is not a bad idea to consciously minimize your child’s fluoride intake.
This can be done in many ways and can be a relatively simple process if you put some thought into it.
Oral Care
One of the easiest ways to minimize your child’s fluoride intake is by switching them to fluoride-free toothpaste. You might worry that the lack of fluoride will have detrimental impacts on their dental health. However, new compounds such as nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) have been discovered and are now offered as a fluoride-free solution in many dental products.
In fact, studies have shown that n-Ha is just as effective as fluoride for supporting dental health. Plus, n-Ha is non-toxic and safe to swallow, which means it is very safe for children.
Other ways you can minimize your child’s fluoride intake through their oral care is by supervising them during brushing to ensure they don’t swallow their fluoride toothpaste.
Additionally, you should be very mindful about the amount of toothpaste you allow them to use, and children under six should only receive a pea-sized amount.
Water
Another major contributor to a child’s fluoride intake is through their drinking water, so you can take steps in this area to minimize their exposure.
If your water supply has high fluoride levels, you could consider installing or using a water filter to remove fluoride from the tap water.
You can purchase filters that can be installed into your tap or simply purchase a benchtop filter that filters water as you need it. Either way, this is a relatively easy way to limit fluoride exposure and ensure your drinking water is of the highest standard.
Alternatively, if you have infants and young children but don’t want to filter your water, you could opt for bottled water with low fluoride content for your young ones. This means that you will still receive the fluoridated water, but you can still limit the amount that your children ingest.
Diet
It also pays to be mindful of your child’s diet, as many foods and beverages can contain fluoride. In particular, products made with fluoridated water, such as some sodas and juices, can be quite high in fluoride.
Additionally, limiting your child’s consumption of at-home brewed drinks such as tea or hot chocolate containing fluoridated tap water is also advisable, as these can be quite high in fluoride too.
Consult With Your Child’s Dentist or Pediatrician
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s fluoride intake, it is wise to consult with their dentist and pediatrician to see what their opinion is.
Additionally, when your child is receiving professional dental care, consider using fluoride treatments only when absolutely necessary and recommended by your dentist to help limit overall exposure.
We spoke with Dr. Anjum Chaudhary, a specialist endodontist, who emphasized that while higher fluoride toothpaste concentrations may provide better protection against cavities, they also increase the risk of fluorosis. Fluorosis is a condition in which teeth develop enamel flaws due to prolonged exposure to excessive fluoride. Dr. Chaudhary advises parents to monitor their children's toothpaste usage to ensure that they do not swallow it. It is important to check the fluoride content of toothpaste before purchasing it and to consider opting for a fluoride-free toothpaste specifically designed for children.
The Bottom Line
The NTP report shows us that balancing the benefits and risks of fluoride is absolutely crucial, especially for children. The key takeaway we found from the report is that it is a good idea to take proactive steps to minimize excessive fluoride intake to ensure the recommended limits are not exceeded.
Why not take the plunge and ditch fluoride for good? Here at Boka, we can help you ditch fluoride without compromising your dental health. Our products are powered by n-Ha, which has been shown to effectively fortify the teeth in a comparable manner to fluoride, but doesn’t have the same risks. Plus, we offer products specifically formulated for kids, such as our Kids’ toothpaste, which comes in delicious flavors that make brushing fun.
Ultimately, we urge you to stay informed and educated about the ongoing research and recommendations surrounding fluoride usage, especially where children are concerned.
Prioritizing your child’s overall health and well-being is the best way to ensure they grow into happy and healthy adults.