Fluoride, Good or Bad?

​Fluoride is used in dental practices across the country to help prevent tooth decay in addition to daily fluoride treatments like brushing and flossing teeth.  In some households, the use of mouthwash is used for extra freshness.  This product also contains fluoride.   Furthermore, this natural mineral can be found in many fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, and dairy consumed every day.  So, why do water treatment facilities find it necessary to add additional fluoride to city water sources? 
 
Too much fluoride has been linked to health issues including slower development in children, weakening bone, dementia, even cancer, among other diseases.  While many European countries and Japan have banned the use of fluoride in their water facilities, the US still adds this unnecessary additive to 70% of its water treatment plants.  It has also been noted that fluoride is not an essential nutrient for health.   While the FDA classifies this mineral as a drug meant to medicate, there is no proof that oral hygiene problems will form because of a fluoride deficiency.  Fluoride is the only chemical added to water treatment facilities not specifically meant to treat the water, only its consumers.  So technically, water treatment facilities are mass medicating its customers for no reason.  In addition, note on your oral hygiene product labels, it is not safe to consume too much fluoride.
 
Because fluoride is a natural mineral, it can be found in your drilled well, just not in excess that could cause harm to your health.  A drilled well provides water that is natural and safe.  We promise your body, pets, and vegetation will thank you.
 
Another little fun fact about fluoride is that it can also be found naturally in tea leaves.  And who in the south doesn’t love a little tea- on the rocks and loaded with sweetness?

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