Why Is Fluoride Used in Water Treatment?

The Costs, Benefits, and Controversies of Artificial Water Fluoridation 

For many, fluoride is among the most confusing chemicals added to drinking water. Low concentrations of fluoride–0.7 parts per million (PPM)–are known to improve dental health and it has been hailed as “one of public health’s greatest success stories” by some.[1],[2] For others however, artificial fluoridation remains a highly contentious issue. There have been debates over the known health benefits versus the potential health risks and about everything in between–including issues of personal choice and political implications. 

The History of Water Fluoridation 

The first research into the effects of fluoridated water began in the early 19th century, as researchers established that fluoride occurs in varying concentrations in bones, teeth, and drinking water. By the 1930s, it became evident that moderate levels of fluoride prevent dental caries, and in 1945, U.S. water systems were actively adding fluoride into public water supplies.[3] 

Cost vs. Benefit of Water Fluoridation

While there is no federal mandate to fluoridate water, by 2014 nearly 75% of the U.S. population in public water systems had access to fluoridated water.[4] It is widely considered to be a major factor in the 25% decrease in rates of tooth decay in the United States.[5]

How Does Fluoride Improve Dental Health? 

The addition of fluoride to drinking water prevents dental caries because it maintains a consistent, low level of fluoride in the mouth–specifically in dental plaque and saliva. This reduces the rate at which tooth enamel demineralizes, as well as increases the speed at which teeth are able to remineralize in the early stages of cavities.

What Are the Risks Associated with Fluoride in Water? 

While data clearly indicates the benefits of water fluoridation, it has also indicated that there may be adverse effects, particularly at elevated levels. One risk associated with fluoridated water is dental fluorosis–the change in the appearance of tooth enamel due to excessive fluoride intake.[6] It is most likely to occur when young children (under the age of 8) regularly consume large amounts fluoride while their permanent teeth are still developing. The hypomineralization of enamel from excessive fluoride intake results in intrinsic tooth discoloration, and it is a very common result of water fluoridation. 

Along with dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis is a debilitating effect of too much fluoride in water.[7] Groundwater with naturally occurring fluoride affects nearly 200 million people worldwide with skeletal fluorosis, particularly in regions like Bangladesh and India

Controversies Surrounding Artificial Fluoridation 

Often considered as one of the most feasible and cost-effective methods of delivering fluoride to all members of the US (regardless of age, education, or income), artificial fluoridation has not occurred without controversy. 

The U.S. Public Health Service has published fluoridation statistics periodically since 1956, and the reports have given rise to ethical, economic, and health concerns.[8] Some argue that water fluoridation pits individual rights (i.e. an individual’s ability to choose whether their water has fluoride or not) against the common good (i.e. the decision to fluoridate water for the common benefit). 

Proponents of an individual rights perspective on fluoridated water are dissatisfied that individuals have no choice about the additives to water they drink. Others argue that the common good should take precedence over individual rights, equating artificial fluoridation with vaccination or food fortification.  

Some have suggested that artificial water fluoridation is possibly linked to increased risk of cancer. However, recent population-based studies using cancer registry data found no evidence linking artificial fluoridation and cancer risk.[9]

Fluoride has also recently been categorized as a neurotoxin.[10] Neurotoxicity occurs when we are exposed to a substance (natural or artificial) to a degree that alters the function of the nervous system, causing tissue damage and impairing the processing and transmission of information. Acute fluoride poisoning is possible, resulting in neurotoxicity, but this is nowhere near the 0.7 PPM concentration added to drinking water.

Another neurological concern related to fluoride is the potential connection between fluoride and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Since a popular study on fluoride and neurodevelopment began in 1992, the percentage of the U.S. population that drinks fluoridated water has increased from 56% to nearly 75%.[11], [4] During that same time frame, the percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis has increased from around seven percent to more than 11%.[12]

Specialized

Fluoride Water Test

1 Analyte Tested

$74.00

Add to cart

Specialized

Fluoride Water Test

1 Analyte Tested

Test your drinking water for fluoride–naturally found in groundwater and commonly added by utilities to improve dental health.

Regular price $74.00

Regular price Sale price $74.00

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Are You Worried About Fluoride in Your Drinking Water?

The literature regarding artificial fluoridation remains overwhelmingly positive–as fluoride is safe in low, controlled concentrations. It is very rare for naturally occurring fluoride levels in the US to lead to skeletal fluorosis. However, it is important to be aware of what’s in your water–because as the famous saying goes, the poison is in the dose. 

If you are concerned about your water quality for any reason, Tap Score home water testing offers tailored options for every situation. Tap Score tests for fluoride, as well as hundreds of other contaminants and the team of chemists, water quality experts, and engineers is always standing by to help.