Dangers of Fluoride

The American Dental Association, which has for many years been one of fluoride's biggest advocates, alerted its members late last year that parents of infants younger than a year old "should consider using water that has no or low levels of fluoride" when mixing baby formula.

However, while public health agencies in some states, such as Vermont and New Hampshire, immediately issued warnings in the media based on the ADA alert, other states took months to relay the message.

The ADA was concerned about fluorosis, a condition caused by too much fluoride that damages the enamel of teeth. Some scientists believe that even mild to moderate cases of fluorosis can lead to more significant problems. Studies have associated fluorosis with lower IQ, endocrine system problems, and skeletal damage.

If you are unable to breastfeed, please educate yourself on the dangers of fluoride (an industrial waste product from the phosphate fertilizer industry) as well as the health risks of using infant formulas.

Tony Lees, from Herefordshire, a dentist for 40 years, believes that fluoride should be banned from toothpastes and water. "The marginal benefit it displays for teeth does not outweigh its general dangers", he says.

"In the scale of toxicity, fluorides fall between arsenic and lead," he says. "Dental fluorosis is not just a cosmetic problem, but the visible sign of chronic fluoride poisoning, and children are more vulnerable than adults."

Fluoride In Toothpaste

There is enough fluoride in a typical tube of toothpaste to kill two small children if they consumed the entire tube at once. Toothpaste manufacturers are not taking into account the tendency of children under the age of two to swallow everything that goes into their mouths. But now there are "low-dose" toothpastes for children, and with better education, parents may be able to discern which brand to use. Better yet, throw out all toothpastes, mouthwashes that contain fluoride and buy fluoride-free toothpaste from a Health Food Store.