Furor Over Flouride


by Sharon Bell - Date: 2008-09-06 - Word Count: 447 Share This!

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Fluoride is a trace mineral found in apples, eggs, seafoods and tea. Although nutritional requirements are unknown, fluoride is needed for strong bones and teeth.

This association was established in 1892 when researchers were first puzzled by the brownish stains on healthy teeth. They later learned that this was caused by the high fluoride content of water.

By the 1930s and 1940s, it was known that the brownish stains could be prevented if the fluoride level of water remained at about one milligram per liter (or one part per million). At this level, cavities were also reduced by 50 to 60 percent.

Since 1950, several communities in the United States began fluoridating water to enjoy this benefit. Other countries which use fluoridated water are Australia, Czechoslovakia, Ireland, New Zealand and Russia.

The ones who will reap most from this practice are children. Research shows that fluoride given to kids either from birth or from six months onwards and continued throughout life will have fewer cavities than those who receive little or no fluoride at all.

"Most public water suppliers of the 100 largest cities in the United States are now fluoridated as are about 60 percent of the nation's water system," according to Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler in "The Doctors' Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia."

"There are a few ways in which fluoride is thought to work to prevent caries. During tooth development, ingested fluoride gets incorporated into tooth structure before eruption, creating a tougher tooth. After the tooth has erupted, fluoride that washes over it gets incorporated into the enamel. There is evidence that fluoride, particularly if applied topically (for example, in gel form), reduces the number of those bacterial organisms in the mouth which are linked to cavities," he added.

Fluoride's history, however, is not without controversy. At one time, its use was thought to be a Communist plot to poison people and take over the country. One of the most vocal of the antifluoride groups is the National Health Federation, an organization which promotes all forms of quackery through a distorted concept of "freedom of choice."

But recently, the antifluoride camp has become more "scientific" and sophisticated in its approach. Whereas before, opposition to fluoride came mainly from quacks, those who are against this mineral now appear to be armed with studies which purportedly show that fluoridated water is not only useless in preventing tooth decay but may even be harmful. (Next: Is fluoride harmful?)

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Related Tags: wrinkles, rejuvinol, flouride

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com.

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