A U.S. government report expected to stir debate concluded that fluoride in drinking water at twice the recommended limit is linked with lower IQ in children.
The report, based on an analysis of previously published research, marks the first time a federal agency has determined — “with moderate confidence” — that there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. While the report was not designed to evaluate the health effects of fluoride in drinking water alone, it is a striking acknowledgment of a potential neurological risk from high levels of fluoride.
Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water has long been considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century.
“I think this (report) is crucial in our understanding” of this risk, said Ashley Malin, a University of Florida researcher who has studied the affect of higher fluoride levels in pregnant women on their children. She called it the most rigorously conducted report of its kind.
While contact with teeth may be beneficial, there is no reason to ingest flouride. There is also no reason to wash your hair with flouride and water your plants and lawn with flouride.
If you want to supplement for children, have swish packets at school. The money could be better spent for the desired outcome.
This used to be common in “the olden days” in rural America. I remembered the school nurse would hand out the fluoride rinse to students who’s families signed up for it. I remember thonking that they were all the rich kids who’s families could afford the $5/year for their fancy oral hygiene. Well who’s laughing now? I’ve got the most expensive teeth after all my fillings, crowns, root canals and dental surgeries!
Yeah, i’m leaving all the grammatical errors in there; it better illustrates my point.
