Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A widely shared social media post claims that fluoridated water can harm children’s brains or nervous systems. Our fact-checking revealed that the assertion is half true.
The Claim
According to a widely circulated Instagram video, drinking fluoridated water may damage a baby’s growing brain. A screenshot is attached below:
On social media, there are several claims made about the ineffectiveness of fluoridated water in preventing cavities and the harmful nature of fluoridated toothpaste. To be sure these claims were accurate, we carefully verified the facts.
Fact Check
What does the term ‘fluoridated water’ mean, and why is it essential?
Fluoride is the ionic form of the element fluorine that can be found both naturally and in nutritional supplements. Trace levels of fluoride are present in various foods, soil, water, and plants. Adding fluoride to the water supply is called ‘water fluoridation’. Fluoridation is a common practice for water, food, toothpaste, and other dental products. There are several types of dental preparations available, including mouth rinses, varnishes, foams, and gels.
The concept of fluoridated water is essential for preserving dental health since it inhibits cavities. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. Fluoride-containing formulations protect against the bacterial acids produced by sweet or sticky foods. As a result, the kids’ bones and teeth will be stronger, especially in their early years. However, the ideal level of fluoride should be added to the water supply. This approach is generally affordable and equitable for improving oral health in the community as a whole.
Does fluoridated water damage a baby’s brain?
It is important to note that concerns have been raised regarding the possible drawbacks of fluoride based formulations. This may be explained by studies suggesting that high fluoride ingestion may cause significant IQ deficits. Lower intellect has also been linked to the mother’s exposure to fluoride throughout her pregnancy. Moreover, dental and skeletal fluorosis may result from consuming too much fluoride. However, the evidence supporting baby’s brain damage brought on by fluoridated water remains insufficient.
The safety of fluoridated water is acknowledged by the Centre for Disease Control and prevention, which state that the fluoridation of the water at recommended levels is safe, outweighing the fluoride-associated potential risks.
According to Dr. Kashyap Dakshini, General Physician, “Drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and lowers the risk of dental cavities.” The WHO has stipulated the upper limit of fluoride that can be found in drinking water. On the other hand, it can only result in weariness, skeletal and dental fluorosis, osteoporosis, arthritis, and muscular damage if ingested in excess through drinking water. Consumption that exceeds the top limits may also be hazardous and harm the kidney, liver, heart, arteries, endocrine glands, nervous system, and several other delicate parts of a living organism.
When we asked Dr. Debayan Dutta, Neurologist, whether fluoridated water has the potential to cause brain damage in children, he advised us that the only way fluoride goods might affect teeth, bones, and IQ levels is if they are consumed in excess. Dr Dutta emphasised the significance of recognising the safety of fluoridated water and fluoride used for preventive dentistry. However, he adds that as long as fluoride intake is within the accepted range, it might not pose a risk to children. Therefore, it is critical to regulate and constantly monitor fluoride levels in several formulations.
We also asked Dr. Abhishek Juneja, Consultant Neurologist in Delhi, if fluoridated water could cause brain damage. He also recommended that a developing brain may be adversely affected by excessive fluoride consumption through drinking water. Hence, boiled water or RO-treated should be consumed by children.
Please be advised that fluoridated water is an initiative for public health that has a major beneficial impact on oral health. This practice is especially beneficial for areas where regular dental care is not readily available.
Do fluoride preparations protect kids’ teeth from decaying?
Yes, when used in moderation. Fluoridated preparations are required to prevent dental cavities. This is explained by both its efficacy and its adaptability to various delivery methods.
Fluoride has been shown to help prevent dental cavities regardless of how it is given—through water fluoridation, toothpastes, supplements, or products used in professional dentistry. Fluorides prevent tooth decay from starting and from worsening over time. For this reason, it is very beneficial for primary and secondary prevention.
However, overexposure to fluoride-containing products could be detrimental. Therefore, it is usually best to use fluoride cautiously.
To this, Dr. Paridhi Garg, Endodontist, adds that fluoride fortifies tooth enamel by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in cavities and replenishing lost minerals. Ma’am further advises that fluoride can be incorporated into teeth by adding it to toothpaste, food, and water. Yet excess fluoride might harm your teeth and bones; therefore, it is imperative to see your dentist.
Dentist Dr. Sandeep Sharma further confirm this, stating that fluoride is beneficial to teeth since it hardens the enamel, preventing cavities and demineralization. However, fluoride should be used sparingly. Over time, high fluoride consumption results in the dispersion of white flecks and yellow or brown patches throughout the surface of the teeth.
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