if fluoride is considered toxic, then why do they put it in tooth paste and municipal drinking water supplies?
Many things we drink/eat/use every day are toxic if we use too much of them at one time. Fluoride is one of those things. In small amounts it is good for the enamel of the teeth. The fluoride forms a mixed compound quite similar to the mineral apatite. Through the years the use of fluoride has decreased tooth decay enormously. You can read more about it here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apatite
Fluoride is added to toothpaste and municipal drinking water supplies because it has been found to have significant benefits for dental health. However, it is important to note that the level of fluoride used in these products is carefully regulated to be safe and effective.
To understand why fluoride is used despite being considered potentially toxic, we need to delve into the science behind it. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. This can reduce the risk of cavities and promote better oral health.
When it comes to toothpaste, the amount of fluoride is usually around 1000-1500 parts per million (ppm). This concentration is considered safe for daily use when used as directed, which is typically a small pea-sized amount. The fluoride in toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed but rather rinsed out, minimizing the risk of overexposure.
In terms of municipal drinking water supplies, water fluoridation is considered a cost-effective and equitable public health measure. Water fluoridation involves adjusting the natural fluoride levels in water to an optimal concentration of about 0.7 ppm. This concentration has been found to provide benefits for oral health while also maintaining a safe level for consumption.
It is important to mention that the potential toxicity of fluoride largely depends on the dose and exposure. In high concentrations, fluoride can be toxic and cause dental fluorosis (a cosmetic condition that affects the appearance of tooth enamel) or skeletal fluorosis (a condition that affects bones). However, the levels of fluoride used in toothpaste and water fluoridation are well below the threshold for toxicity, minimizing any potential risk.
The decision to use fluoride in toothpaste and water supplies is supported by extensive research and ongoing monitoring of its safety. Regulatory agencies and health organizations carefully consider the available scientific evidence to establish guidelines and regulations for fluoride use, ensuring that it remains a valuable tool for promoting dental health while minimizing associated risks.