How does fluoride affect the body?

Neurological Problems. Fluoride not only affects bone and teeth, but it also impacts young children in the development of the brain. Exposure to fluoride before birth could lead to poorer cognitive outcomes in the future. Higher levels of fluoride lead to low scores in IQ tests.

What is meant by the fluoridation of water?

Water fluoridation is the controlled adjustment of fluoride to a public water supply solely to reduce tooth decay. Fluoridated water contains fluoride at a level that is effective for preventing cavities; this can occur naturally or by adding fluoride.

Can fluoride make you sick?

Fluoride Safety Fluoride toxicity occurs when large amounts of fluoride are ingested over a short period of time. This can be dangerous to your health. Symptoms of fluoride toxicity may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased salivation or increased thirst.

Who fluoride in drinking water?

The WHO’s drinking water quality Guideline Value for fluoride is 1.5 mg/litre (WHO, 1993). However, WHO emphasises that in setting national standards for fluoride it is particularly important to consider climatic conditions, volumes of water intake, and intake of fluoride from other sources (e.g. food and air).

What happens when fluorine reacts with water?

Fluorine vigorously reacts with water to form hydrogen fluoride and oxygen. In the above reactions, fluorine is reduced to fluoride ion. Oxide ions are oxidized to either oxygen molecules or ozone molecules. Hydrogen fluoride is a weak acid.

What happens if I swallow sodium fluoride?

Symptoms indicating an overdose of sodium fluoride may include: stomachache, a salty or soapy taste in the mouth, tremors, vomiting, weakness, convulsions, diarrhea, drooling, nausea, shallow breathing, headache, an irregular or slow heartbeat, and heart attack.

What are the pros and cons of fluoride in drinking water?

Here are the pros of fluoride in drinking water. 1. Water fluoridation is recognized to prevent tooth decay. Fluoridated drinking water can significantly reduce cavities as well as tooth decay by up to ninety percent. 2. The Centers for Disease Control considered fluoridation as among the top 10 achievements of the 20th century.

Is fluoride harmful to human health?

However, water fluoridation remains a controversial public health measure. This paper reviews the human health effects of fluoride. The authors conclude that available evidence suggests that fluoride has a potential to cause major adverse human health problems, while having only a modest dental caries prevention effect.

Is fluoride in drinking water good for your teeth?

It is believed that fluoridated drinking water can reduce cavities significantly and also tooth decay up to 90%. As per The WHO or World Health Organization, the benefits of fluoride in drinking water or water fluoridation are best for the economically poor individuals, who frequently do not have access to sufficient effective dental care.

When did they start adding fluoride to water?

Since water fluoridation began in 1940s, an array of products containing fluoride have been introduced to the average consumer including water, dental products, pesticides, fluoride supplements, other prescription drugs, and many other sources. There is no current accu.