Public Health Safety of Fluoride in Drinking Water

Public Health Safety of Fluoride in Drinking Water by Dr. Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D

Summary: Fluoride is common household name. It is found in drinking water, toothpaste, mouth washes, household chemicals and cosmetics to name a few. Recent research has shown that fluoride may actually be dangerous to human health and well being. Some researchers have reported no significant difference between the use of fluoridated and non-fluoridated water with regards to reduction in tooth decay. In addition, fluoride is associated with cancer, tumor formation, skeletal fluorosis, accelerated aging and a whole range of medical conditions. It is highly questionable and of great public health concern whether the minuscule health benefits if any derived from the use of fluoride in drinking water and in other products out weights the much larger negative health effects.

Introduction: The Problem: Fluoride has been used as an important tooth-decay fighting chemical found in water, mouth washes and toothpaste. Recently, the FDA has approved the claim on bottled water containing fluoride at a concentration of 0.6 mg to 1.0 mg per liter to include the statement that "drinking fluoridated water may reduce the risk of tooth decay". But how safe is fluoride in drinking water? What is the possible health risks associated with the use of fluoride? And how effective is fluoride in preventing tooth decay? These unanswered questions further highlight the need for scientifically sound information on the possible relationship between fluoride and potential health risks.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) policy on fluoridated tap water supports the view that widespread use of fluoride has been a major factor in the decline in the prevalence and severity of tooth decay. This policy is in accordance with the UK Food Standards Agency and the FDA findings that fluoridated water may reduce tooth decay. But, these findings have been questioned recently and there now exist a growing body of information/evidence that suggest that fluoride use may in fact be dangerous to human health and does not significantly reduce tooth decay in controlled studies.

The purpose of the present study is to educate and to inform the public and consumers about the health significance with particular reference to health risks associated with the use of fluoride in drinking water and other fluoride containing products.

Agencies/bodies that provided evidence against fluoride use are:

 The National Institute of Environmental and Health in 1990 found that fluoride causes cancer.

 US Environmental Protection Agency during 1989-1993 found that fluoride does not reduce tooth decay and may cause cancer.

 The American Chemical Society in 1988 questioned the safety and effectiveness of fluoridation.

 The New England Journal of Medicine in 1990 reported the fluoride treatment of osteoporosis patients resulted in higher hip facture rates.

 Clinical Toxicology in 1984 list fluoride as being more poisonous than lead, but slightly less than arsenic.

 US CDC and The Safe Water Foundation estimated 30,000 to 50,000 deaths per year for people who consume at least 1 p.p.m. of fluoride in drinking water.

The use of fluoride has been associated with the following health conditions:

 A greater incidence of hip fracture.  Cancer.

 Browning of teeth.  Joint and hip pain.

 Premature hardening of arteries.  Loss of appetite.

 Loss of sex drive.  Increased rate of stillbirth.

 Accelerated aging.  Immune suppression.

 Poor rate of healing and/or repair.

Symptoms of fluoride intoxication according to the United States Pharmacopoeia:

 Nausea.  Bloody vomit.

 Faintness.  Stomach cramps.

 Tremors.  Constipation.

 Aching bones.  Stiffness in joints.

 Skin rashes.  Weight loss.

 Brown/black discoloration of teeth.

Pathophysiology of fluoride:

Fluoride is a toxin and its mode of action occurs at the both cellular and molecular level causing significant enzyme inhibition involved in biochemical, cellular and molecular processes. This serves to initiate collagen breakdown, causing immense genetic damage, and disruption of the immune system.

Fluoride at a concentration of 1 p.p.m in drinking water can lead to the generation of highly destructive free radicals such as superoxide radicals that can damage cell membranes and lead to oxidative stress resulting in a cascade of events that may prevent the migration of white blood cells into infected areas, thus interfering with phagocytosis and compromising cellular defense mechanisms. These changes lead to increased susceptibility to infections and other abnormal changes in the body. Damage to collagen, one of the body's main structural proteins can form altered proteinaceous structures that can attract the body's own white blood cells thus causing an autoimmune response. This process uses up the immune resources of the body and further adds to stress causing accelerated premature aging and death.

Fluoride attacks DNA or DNA repair enzymes thus reducing the rate of repair and increases the likelihood of mutations in cells, appearance of cancer, tumors, and birth defects and may even shorten life expectancy.

Conclusion:

Fluoride is a toxic chemical that has been used in many health care products. But, what is the health risk associated with the use of such products? Research has shown that chronic use of fluoride may cause demineralization of bone, browning of teeth, tumors, cancers and death. The use of fluoride in drinking water or bottled water should be re-considered in light of existing evidence. Fluoride is toxic and can significantly affect health and well being in susceptible individuals. Consumers and the general public should always adopt the precautionary principle that states that if there is likelihood that something can be dangerous to health, then it should be avoided at all cost, until proven otherwise.

About the Author
Dr. Pattron is a Public Health Scientist and Scholar.

Can What's in Your Mouth Really Make You Sick?

Can What's in Your Mouth Really Make You Sick? by Jayden Adams

The news lately has been filled with frightening stories that link oral bacteria and oral disease to a variety of serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. This dental health subject isn't really new. Dentists have long known that there is a strong relationship between oral health and general health. For example, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs not only affect overall health but oral health as well.

"Persons who suffer with dry mouth--a lack of saliva--whether from age, disease or medications, are at increased risk for tooth decay.", explains Dr. Maddahi. "And if you have oral pain or can't eat properly, you won't get the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy. It's not news that the mouth is connected to the body. The mouth often times is the location used to diagnose, make a prognosis, treat and intervene on a host of diseases."

For example, some researchers have found that periodontitis (the advanced form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss) is associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Other research has found that pregnant women with periodontitis may be at increased risk for delivering babies that are pre-term, have low birth weight or both.

Dr. Maddahi further explains, "Although reports suggest that periodontitis may contribute to these conditions, you should know that just because two conditions occur at the same time, it doesn't necessarily mean that one causes the other. These conditions and diseases are complex. Oral health must be considered an important part of overall health but scientists are still studying how closely the two are connected."

To make sense of all this, scientists are examining what happens when periodontitis is treated in persons who have other health problems. There's evidence that diabetics are more likely to develop periodontitis (and more severe cases) than non-diabetics. Two conditions that occur together may be caused by a third factor. People who smoke or use alcohol are at increased risk for periodontitis and other conditions, such as oral cancer.

"If there were a cause-and-effect relationship, we'd expect that improvements to periodontal health would also improve other health conditions.", says Dr. Maddahi. "The results from initial studies are intriguing. Some studies suggest that treating periodontitis in people with diabetes can improve their blood sugar control, but other studies have not found this connection. The ADA supports and encourages further research into what remains a promising but inconclusive question as to the effects of periodontal disease on specific systemic conditions and diseases."
What does this mean for you? Given the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, preventing periodontitis may turn out to be an important step in maintaining overall health. In most cases, that can be done with good daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular professional care.

Make sure to tell your dentist about changes in your oral health, including any recent illnesses or chronic conditions. Provide an updated health history including medication use, both prescription and over-the-counter products. And if you smoke, talk to your dentist about options for quitting smoking.

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles and superior dental health for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

About the Author
For more information on this article, go to:Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist or Smile Makeovers Article written by Jean Ritter Dale

Restore Your Smile With A Custom Cosmetic Dentistry Plan

Restore Your Smile With A Custom Cosmetic Dentistry Plan by James Wagner

When teeth are damaged or worn from age, accidents, diet or other factors, cosmetic dentistry patients have an array of options from which to choose a solution to restore their teeth's natural beauty. Consulting with a cosmetic dentist to determine which treatment options will work for you is the first step in getting your bright, full smile back.

In fact, the technology in cosmetic dentistry is now so advanced that many patients find their smiles looking even better than before, thanks to the use of veneers, dental implants, crowns and other treatments.

Some of these dental treatments, such as teeth whitening, produce immediate results and instant gratification. Others, like dental implants, are a longer process but can be expected to last for several years. Your options for treatment will depend on your cosmetic dentist's recommendations after a thorough evaluation of the tooth's damage, your anticipated result and your overall oral health.

The following are examples of the treatments available in cosmetic dentistry today:

Dental Fillings
Fillings are a great solution when teeth are cracked or decayed. When the tooth enamel is damaged or missing, patients may experience pain and sensitivity because the nerves inside the tooth are exposed. Once the decay is removed and the tooth prepared, the filling bonds to the tooth and acts as a layer of enamel to protect it from further damage.

The most commonly used filling material is amalgam, a silver material made of mercury and other metals. Amalgam still makes many people self-conscious as it is very visible inside the mouth, unless it is placed on the back of a tooth. It is for this reason that many patients now choose composite fillings, which closely match the natural colour of the natural tooth. Composite fillings last about half as long as amalgam and are more expensive, but to many cosmetic dentistry patients, it is worth it.

Dental Crowns
Also known as caps, crowns cover damaged teeth. Using the existing tooth as an anchor, the crown rests over top, hiding damage or decay and restoring the tooth's functionality. Most dentists perform this procedure over two visits. On the first, they will take an impression of the tooth and apply a temporary crown. Once the permanent crown is made, the temporary is removed and the permanent one cemented on.

However, many cosmetic dentists now use computer-aided design/manufacturing technology, or CAD. This allows them to create a 3-D picture of the tooth and manufacture a fitted crown right there in the office while you wait.

Dental Bridges
Bridges are an important tool in cosmetic dentistry. Used to replace a missing tooth, they help prevent further damage from shifting teeth, periodontal disease and decay in the surrounding healthy teeth. While many people feel that a missing tooth is unattractive, few realize that it could cause a speech impediment or alter the way that they bite.

Cosmetic dentists have several different techniques to choose from when using a dental bridge. They might choose a fixed or removable bridge, crowns or resin-bonded, depending on the condition of the surrounding teeth. They must be able to support the bridge; when front teeth are missing, the dentist is more likely to bond the bridge to the teeth instead of further damaging the surrounding teeth by preparing them for caps.

Teeth Whitening
Bright, white teeth are the hallmark of an attractive smile. However, many otherwise attractive people find that their teeth have become dull or stained over time. Smoking, medications and certain food and drinks can all contribute to tooth discolouration. Because so many people experience this problem, there are now unlimited options available for tooth whitening, from pastes to strips to solutions you paint on with a nail polish-type brush.

Even with all of these new options, cosmetic dentistry still holds the best solution. Cosmetic dentists have perfected the laser teeth whitening process to the extent that patients can now expect instant results with minimal pain or even time away from other activities. The results can be quite long lasting with proper care.

After examining your teeth and the extent of the discolouration, your cosmetic dentist will recommend either home treatments or in-office laser treatment. The home kits are also very effective, but require a certain amount of time each day to apply. In-office whitening takes only a few hours. A whitening gel is applied to the teeth and activated by a low-level laser. This technique works well for those who have found that home whitening products cause too much tooth or gum sensitivity.

Other Cosmetic Treatments for Smile Restoration
Your cosmetic dentist might also choose to use veneers, partial or full dentures, or implants to improve the appearance of your smile. A combination of these treatments may be just what you need. Working with your cosmetic dentist, you will be able to determine the cosmetic dentistry plan to best return your smile to its natural beauty.

What can you expect of your first visit to the cosmetic dentist's office? Cosmetic dentists are just like regular dentists in that their first priority is your overall oral health. However, they specialize in restoration and cosmetic treatments designed to improve the appearance of your smile.

Cosmetic dentists often use specialized technology to examine the teeth, present options and perform the restorative work. They may use computer imaging technology to show you what your smile should look like after the treatment. Others use before and after photos to record the full impact of the restorative work for the patient. Ask your cosmetic dentist if you can see before and after photos of their other work, as well.

Many cosmetic dentists use plaster study models to demonstrate what they plan to do to the teeth. After taking a mold of your teeth, the cosmetic dentist prepares a plaster version, which they can then trim and manipulate to show you just how they will do the work that needs to be done.

Others still use temporary dental bonding to give the patient the best idea of what they can expect from the treatment. Using a temporary bond, they adhere composite materials to the teeth, allowing the patient an opportunity to see and feel the dental work before it is permanently applied. This is a very helpful option for those who are uncomfortable with dental procedures or those who just don't know what to expect.

About the Author
James Wagner is a freelance writer and medical researcher. You can find more information here on teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and general dental care. http://www.whiteteethanswers.com/