Fluoride is added to nearly every toothpaste because it is thought...
Dr. BP | Metabolism 2.0@DrBPHealth
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Dec 08, 2024
~9 min read
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Fluoride is added to nearly every toothpaste because it is thought to prevent cavities.
This is based on outdated science.
The truth is, it’s actually harming your health in many ways.
I’ll explain.
THREAD
This is based on outdated science.
The truth is, it’s actually harming your health in many ways.
I’ll explain.
THREAD
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First, I need to give you a little background on how fluoride was originally added to water.
And then how it subsequently was added to toothpaste.
And then how it subsequently was added to toothpaste.
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Adding fluoride to water is called fluoridation.
I’ll cover a little history to why it became so prevalent in America.
And then I will dive into how it negatively affects your health.
I’ll cover a little history to why it became so prevalent in America.
And then I will dive into how it negatively affects your health.
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The concept initially had it’s origins going back to 1901 where a Dr. Frederick McKay noticed that a population around Pike’s Peak, Colorado had “Colorado Brown Stain”.
Their teeth were brown, pitting, and cracking.
Their teeth were brown, pitting, and cracking.
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However, with the negative physical appearance, they noticed that those who were studied had fewer cavities than those who did not come from the region.
They found out the region’s drinking water had a higher concentration of fluoride ions (from 2 to 13.7 mg/mL).
They found out the region’s drinking water had a higher concentration of fluoride ions (from 2 to 13.7 mg/mL).
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Those that had more cavities had 1 mg/mL or less of fluoride in their water.
When the snow melted or the rain fell, it dissolved fluoride from the mountain's rock formations, which made its way into the region’s drinking water.
When the snow melted or the rain fell, it dissolved fluoride from the mountain's rock formations, which made its way into the region’s drinking water.
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Additional research was done by industries to see if it would prevent tooth decay.
Those large industries happened to benefit financially from the use of more fluoride.
I’m sure their research was not biased.
Notice my sarcasm 😉
Those large industries happened to benefit financially from the use of more fluoride.
I’m sure their research was not biased.
Notice my sarcasm 😉
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In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city to add fluoride to its drinking water.
In 1951, fluoridation became the official health policy of the U.S. Public Health Service.
In 1951, fluoridation became the official health policy of the U.S. Public Health Service.
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In 1952 they evaluated the cities that were early adopters of fluoridation.
They compared their amounts of tooth decay with neighboring cities that did not add fluoride to their water supply.
They “found” benefits to preventing tooth decay.
They compared their amounts of tooth decay with neighboring cities that did not add fluoride to their water supply.
They “found” benefits to preventing tooth decay.
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However, later the early comparison studies would be criticized in the journal Nature as, "primitive," with a "virtual absence of quantitative, statistical methods...nonrandom method of selecting data and..."
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"....high sensitivity of the results to the way in which the study populations were grouped”.
In short, their evaluations and findings were un-scientific.
In short, their evaluations and findings were un-scientific.
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And by 1960, water fluoridation had become widely used across U.S. cities.
Unfortunately, large national organizations like the American Dental Association had already started promoting its “benefits”.
Unfortunately, large national organizations like the American Dental Association had already started promoting its “benefits”.
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Oral health products like toothpaste then began to add it to their products, promoting its “benefits”.
This in turn sold more products.
This in turn sold more products.
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However, if we look at fluoride, it is not an essential nutrient for the human body.
Iodine is an essential nutrient.
Which is why it is often added to salt.
Iodine is an essential nutrient.
Which is why it is often added to salt.
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Or Vitamin D, which is why it is fortified in some food products.
𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲, 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁.
In fact, not a single human disease (including tooth decay) will result from a deficiency of fluoride.
𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲, 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁.
In fact, not a single human disease (including tooth decay) will result from a deficiency of fluoride.
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Yet, it is still added to most water supplies in America and the majority of toothpaste in America.
Additionally, with the exception of fluoride, all water treatment chemicals are added to water to make drinking water pleasant and safe to consume.
Additionally, with the exception of fluoride, all water treatment chemicals are added to water to make drinking water pleasant and safe to consume.
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Fluoride is the only chemical added back to the water to “treat” people who consume the water.
Again, all other chemicals other than fluoride treat the water, not the end user.
You could say that fluoridation is a mass treatment for the individuals drinking the water.
Again, all other chemicals other than fluoride treat the water, not the end user.
You could say that fluoridation is a mass treatment for the individuals drinking the water.
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You may not have seen it in the news, but on September 24, 2024 there was a historic federal ruling against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in regards to fluoridation toxicity of American water supplies.
Nearly 200 million Americans drink fluoridated water.
Nearly 200 million Americans drink fluoridated water.
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The EPA will have to lower their levels allowed, to protect the public from fluoride toxicity.
I personally believe “no fluoride” is better than “lower amounts of fluoride”.
You can read more about the federal ruling here
foodandwaterwatch.org/2024/09/25/his…
I personally believe “no fluoride” is better than “lower amounts of fluoride”.
You can read more about the federal ruling here
foodandwaterwatch.org/2024/09/25/his…
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If we dig in further, the primary chemicals used to fluoridate drinking water and toothpastes are silicofluorides.
Also known as hydrofluorosilic acid and sodium fluorosilicate.
Also known as hydrofluorosilic acid and sodium fluorosilicate.
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Silicofluorides are not pharmaceutical-grade fluoride products.
They are by-products of the phosphate fertilizer industry.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Unprocessed waste products from the fertilizer industry are being added to water supplies and tubes of toothpaste.
They are by-products of the phosphate fertilizer industry.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Unprocessed waste products from the fertilizer industry are being added to water supplies and tubes of toothpaste.
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The truth is, fluoride has been known to be toxic for a long time now.
It's why the FDA requires that all fluoride toothpaste sold in the U.S. carry a poison warning that instructs users to contact the poison control center if they swallow more than what is used for brushing.
It's why the FDA requires that all fluoride toothpaste sold in the U.S. carry a poison warning that instructs users to contact the poison control center if they swallow more than what is used for brushing.
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I didn’t believe this when I learned of this.
So, I went and looked at the toothpaste tubes at the grocery store.
Yep, it’s true!
Go read your toothpaste tube.
Science simply does not support this archaic practice.
So, I went and looked at the toothpaste tubes at the grocery store.
Yep, it’s true!
Go read your toothpaste tube.
Science simply does not support this archaic practice.
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Here are the most common ailments associated with fluoride consumption:
•White & brown stains on teeth
•Gut distress
•Brain dysfunction
•Thyroid dysfunction (metabolism)
•Glucose intolerance (diabetes)
•Arthritis
•Bone fragility (yes, you read that correctly)
•White & brown stains on teeth
•Gut distress
•Brain dysfunction
•Thyroid dysfunction (metabolism)
•Glucose intolerance (diabetes)
•Arthritis
•Bone fragility (yes, you read that correctly)
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Now that we have covered all the negatives of consuming fluoride and how it negatively affects your health, let’s cover the primary areas of where to eliminate it.
•Drinking water
•Oral hygiene
•Infant formulas
•Drinking water
•Oral hygiene
•Infant formulas
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DRINKING WATER
First and foremost, you want to address your water.
If you are on city water in America, there is a strong chance you have fluoride in your water.
If you are on a well, there is practically none, if any.
First and foremost, you want to address your water.
If you are on city water in America, there is a strong chance you have fluoride in your water.
If you are on a well, there is practically none, if any.
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If on a city water supply, you will want to heavily consider getting an under-sink filtration system.
“Activated charcoal” filters (i.e. Brita or Pur) do not remove fluoride from the water.
Reverse osmosis systems and distillation do.
“Activated charcoal” filters (i.e. Brita or Pur) do not remove fluoride from the water.
Reverse osmosis systems and distillation do.
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At our house, we have an under-sink reverse osmosis system installed in the kitchen.
This is where we fill up our water bottles (FYI, use stainless steel or glass), use it in coffee and tea, and fill up pots and pans for cooking.
This is where we fill up our water bottles (FYI, use stainless steel or glass), use it in coffee and tea, and fill up pots and pans for cooking.
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95% of our water consumption comes from this sink, so we don’t have one on every sink in our house.
The system we use is the 5-stage filtration system by iSpring.
This is a pic of the system
The system we use is the 5-stage filtration system by iSpring.
This is a pic of the system
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I chose it because of it’s high-quality, value for the price, the great reviews, and the 1 time I had to use their customer service in 5 years, they were excellent.
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The company is based out of Georgia.
Depending on use, filters only need to be changed once every 6-12 months.
I bought mine on Amazon here
amazon.com/iSpring-5-Stag…
Depending on use, filters only need to be changed once every 6-12 months.
I bought mine on Amazon here
amazon.com/iSpring-5-Stag…
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If you are buying water bottles, look for them to be:
•Spring water (practically no fluoride)
•Filtered via reverse osmosis
•Distilled
These will ensure no, or negligible, fluoride in your drinking water.
•Spring water (practically no fluoride)
•Filtered via reverse osmosis
•Distilled
These will ensure no, or negligible, fluoride in your drinking water.
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ORAL HYGIENE
Toothpaste and mouthwashes are the 2 biggest contributors to consuming fluoride.
For your toothpaste, you want to look for a fluoride-free toothpaste.
Toothpaste and mouthwashes are the 2 biggest contributors to consuming fluoride.
For your toothpaste, you want to look for a fluoride-free toothpaste.
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The brand I had used for years is Tom’s of Maine.
Here’s the product I previously used:
Here’s the product I previously used:
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You can find it at most grocery stores.
But make sure it is the fluoride-free version because Tom’s does have a number of their tubes of toothpaste with fluoride.
But make sure it is the fluoride-free version because Tom’s does have a number of their tubes of toothpaste with fluoride.
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However, I have recently switched away from Tom’s.
I found a product that I believe is better.
It has:
•Cleaner Ingredients
•NO Fluoride
•Uses Nanohydroxyapatite to Restore Enamel
I found a product that I believe is better.
It has:
•Cleaner Ingredients
•NO Fluoride
•Uses Nanohydroxyapatite to Restore Enamel
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On top of that, when I travel, I was having a tough time finding a small toothpaste tube that was fluoride free.
Not to mention, one where the plastic tube was BPA-free.
With my new toothpaste, I don’t have to worry about either- they are actually toothpaste tablets.
Not to mention, one where the plastic tube was BPA-free.
With my new toothpaste, I don’t have to worry about either- they are actually toothpaste tablets.
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I have no affiliation to their products. I’m just loving the quality and results.
You can check them out at betterbiom.com
You can check them out at betterbiom.com
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I first learned about Biom through @BowTiedGatorDDS on X.
He’s a practicing dentist that was frustrated with what was in the marketplace.
And after having his own health issues, had to come up with something better.
And he did.
He’s a practicing dentist that was frustrated with what was in the marketplace.
And after having his own health issues, had to come up with something better.
And he did.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS So Are You Not Recommending Using Fluoride??
For those that believe it’s “medical or dental heresy” to not suggest using fluoride, I have a question for you:
If fluoridated water & toothpaste were the answer, why are cavities the most prevalent condition in dentists' offices?
For those that believe it’s “medical or dental heresy” to not suggest using fluoride, I have a question for you:
If fluoridated water & toothpaste were the answer, why are cavities the most prevalent condition in dentists' offices?
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@BowTiedGatorDDS Because deficiency in fluoride is not the root of the issue.
Again, there is no known human disease caused by a deficiency in fluoride.
Again, there is no known human disease caused by a deficiency in fluoride.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS You can read this article by @BowTiedGatorDDS to learn the truth about how cavities are formed and how to remineralize your teeth.
Gator | Dentist@theNOBSdentist
So you want to reverse a cavity and remineralize your teeth . . .
This is how I optimize my patients against cavities (and myself, too).
This is how I optimize my patients against cavities (and myself, too).
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@BowTiedGatorDDS Let me now discuss mouthwashes.
Mouthwashes are notorious for containing fluoride as well.
If you choose to use one, you will want to get a fluoride-free version.
Mouthwashes are notorious for containing fluoride as well.
If you choose to use one, you will want to get a fluoride-free version.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS I personally don’t use mouthwash.
Your gut technically starts from your mouth and goes to your anus.
Your gut’s microbiome is of vital importance.
More and more research comes out each week of the gut microbiome and the direct link to health.
Your gut technically starts from your mouth and goes to your anus.
Your gut’s microbiome is of vital importance.
More and more research comes out each week of the gut microbiome and the direct link to health.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS To use alcohol-based mouthwash daily to kill all bacteria is akin to taking a low dose broad-spectrum antibiotic daily to kill all possible bad bacteria.
We now know that antibiotics not only kill bad bacteria, but they kill good bacteria too.
We now know that antibiotics not only kill bad bacteria, but they kill good bacteria too.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS A daily alcohol-based mouthwash is having a similar effect on your oral microbiome.
Hence, why I would not suggest using one.
But if you choose to use one, get one that is fluoride free and is not alcohol based.
Hence, why I would not suggest using one.
But if you choose to use one, get one that is fluoride free and is not alcohol based.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS Biom has a mouthwash that is fluoride free, contains no alcohol, and is formulated around plant extracts & essential oils.
Another reason I like this company.
Another reason I like this company.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS Biom not only has toothpaste tablets & mouthwash, they also carry:
•Tongue Scrapers (stainless steel)
•Teeth Whiteners
•Floss
•Kid’s Toothpaste
•Tongue Scrapers (stainless steel)
•Teeth Whiteners
•Floss
•Kid’s Toothpaste
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@BowTiedGatorDDS Again, I am not affiliated with them.
I just think their products are wonderful & I like to share with you all when I come across great, healthy products.
So, check them out if you want to upgrade.
I just think their products are wonderful & I like to share with you all when I come across great, healthy products.
So, check them out if you want to upgrade.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS INFANT FORMULA
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers certainly want to avoid consuming fluoride.
If nursing, breast milk for your baby is the best option.
But for a number of reasons, some need to utilize infant formula.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers certainly want to avoid consuming fluoride.
If nursing, breast milk for your baby is the best option.
But for a number of reasons, some need to utilize infant formula.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS If this is you, avoid using liquid-concentrate soy formulas.
They have some of the highest levels of fluoride.
Powdered forms have less.
Also, when you add water to the formula, make sure you are using the above-described water options to avoid feeding your baby fluoride.
They have some of the highest levels of fluoride.
Powdered forms have less.
Also, when you add water to the formula, make sure you are using the above-described water options to avoid feeding your baby fluoride.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Fluoride Action Network is an organization combating fluoridation of water and other consumed products. They have a lot of information on their website if you would like to dig in more on this subject and how it affects your health.
fluoridealert.org
Fluoride Action Network is an organization combating fluoridation of water and other consumed products. They have a lot of information on their website if you would like to dig in more on this subject and how it affects your health.
fluoridealert.org
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@BowTiedGatorDDS Your One Actionable Step This Week
Simple: eliminate the consumption of fluoride by doing the above.
It’s not an essential nutrient, and it causes harm to your health long-term.
Simple: eliminate the consumption of fluoride by doing the above.
It’s not an essential nutrient, and it causes harm to your health long-term.
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@BowTiedGatorDDS Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this:
1. Follow me @DrBPHealth for more
2. Share the tweet below if you got value out of this.
1. Follow me @DrBPHealth for more
2. Share the tweet below if you got value out of this.
Dr. BP | Metabolism 2.0@DrBPHealth
Fluoride is added to nearly every toothpaste because it is thought to prevent cavities.
This is based on outdated science.
The truth is, it’s actually harming your health in many ways.
I’ll explain.
THREAD
This is based on outdated science.
The truth is, it’s actually harming your health in many ways.
I’ll explain.
THREAD
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@BowTiedGatorDDS P.S. If you like this post, you'll enjoy my newsletter.
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You can join us here, for free:
drbphealth.com/newsletter
Each week I share how to improve your metabolism, get healthy & live longer.
You can join us here, for free:
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