By Jimmy Downs

Wednesday Sept 12, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- Long term exposure to fluoride through drinking water can not only cause fluorosis, but also skeletal fluorosis, according to a new review by Y. R. Shivarajashankara and A.R. Shivashankara A.R., biochemistry professors at KVG Medical College, Sullia and Father Muller Medical College, in Mangalore, Karnataka, India
 
Shivarajashankara and Shivashankara pubished their review in Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research saying fluoride has a significant influence on the human health and although  traces of fluoride are beneficial in preventing dental caries and osteoporosis, chronic or long term intake of high levels of fluoride through drinking water can cause dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis.  They say the fluoride toxicity is so great that even the soft issues cannot spared.

Neurotoxicity of fluoride has been most widely publicized recently.  Studies showed that exposure to fluoride can lower children's intellectual quotient or IQ.   The authors say fluoride can cross the blood brain barriers can damage the brain cell architecture, disrupt metabolism, enzymes and the oxidant-antioxidant status and also damage neurotransmitters.  Overall, the chemical, which is not needed in human physiology, damages mental functions.

Also, the authors say fluoride induces the formation of free radicals, it promotes lipid peroxidation, destroys antioxidants, inhibits the key enzymes in metabolic pathways, impairs energy generation, and inhibits protein synthesis. 

The Indian scientists say "Excitoxicity, which has been proposed as the major mechanism in the neurotoxic manifestations of fluoride, needs a detailed and critical evaluation."

Fluoride has been associated with increased risk of bone cancer in young boys.  A health observer speculated "major health organizations promote fluoridation because later they can promote using drugs like statins in drinking water to lower cholesterol, which is a way to increase doctors' earnings."

The review reminds consumers that chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride can cause damage to the skeletal bones, not just teeth. 

Fluoride has been added to almost all major brands of toothpaste products.  No one needs to ingest fluoride to have the dentists' claimed benefits.  The effect is topical and simply using toothpaste can deliver more than enough fluoride.  "Every one should question the motivation behind the drive for fluoridation of the public drinking water system," the health observer suggested. Those who are concerned about use of fluoride may talk to their dentists or check out online informational resources such as the Kool Smiles Dentistry and LinkedIn pages or simply do some research to see what studies have shown.

A few things consumers can do to prevent themselves from being injured by fluoride.

1) Buy a tap water filter system such as reverse osmosis filters, which can get rid of fluoride in your drinking water;
2) Use vitamin E and vitamin C to minimize the toxicity of fluoride if you have to be exposed to the toxic chemical;
3) If you want to, you may vote next time against your city officers who have voted for fluoridation and propose a referendum to invalidate the city's regulation that demands fluoridation;
4) Refuse to use fluoride-containing toothpaste to force major toothpaste companies to fight against fluoridation.

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