The Pro’s and Con’s of Fluoride
I think many people oppose fluoride in drinking water because many people don’t know what it is? In some cases maybe, but that is not the major reason. Some people are against it because they feel it might too strong and rot there teeth, and others don’t want fluoride in their water because of the chemical makeup- some fluoride particles may contain small bits of lead. In the year 2000 a study came out, on floride. Researchers concluded that there was a high misunderstanding that fluoride was like chlorine, and used as a cleaning agent; which it is but not like the purpose chlorine is used for. The public, in 2000 was also not aware of the dangers concerning young children consuming excessive amounts of toothpaste, or stuff with lots of fluoride. Fluoride in Southern California tap water will put 6400 young children and infants at risk to unsafe dosages of fluoride. One article I uncovered stated that fluoride has been linked to certain types of cancer as well. Here is the link to the website: http://www.dentalhealth.ie
My position on adding fluoride to drinking water is stuck in the dead center. I have read many good and positive reasons on why you should have fluoride in your drinking water. But then I have also heard bad things and terrible side effects that can result from fluoride in drinking water. Growing up, I’ve always heard that fluoride prevents cavities. And that is a good thing. So originally I would be OK (not 100% positive about putting fluoride in water, but OK.) But after reading all of these articles on why fluoride shouldn’t be in tap water I am undecided. I have found many pro’s and con’s on why fluoride should, or shouldn’t be in our drinking water
PRO’S:
-is one of the chemical balances that keeps us healthy
-Prevents cavities and tooth decay
CON’S:
-Can be a link to some types of cancer-Can harm young children if presented in large amounts
-Can contain lead
So as you can see there are great “bonuses” to having fluoride in our drinking water but also many bad attributes to fluoride in drinking water.So I am UNDECIDED!
http://www.ewg.org/reports/cafluoride
Toothpaste or the idea, has been around for a long time. Here is a little history on how toothpaste and mouthwash came about. In the 19th century, charcoal became very popular for teeth cleaning purposes. Most tooth paste at the time was in the form of a powder. The strawberry was considered to be a “natural” solution for preventing tarter and getting fresh breath. Bleeding gums became a concern though, as well as aching teeth.In the 20th century liquid cleansers and pastes became more popular. Also the human race began to use chloryphyll and eucalyptus to make toothpaste an mouth wash. In the 1990’s fluoride was added to toothpastes. And now in the 21st century toothpastes and mouth washes are what we see and use every day! So keep on brushing!
http://www.toothpaste.com/history.htm
Fluoride is good for children and adults, but as with other vitamins and minerals, overexposure can lead to damaging side effects. Too much fluoride before the age of 8 can cause enamel fluorosis, a discoloration of the permanent teeth. Also large amounts of fluoride consumed in a short period of time can lead to fluoride toxicity. Although out comes are not usually extreme. I think fluoride toxicity is a big problem and parents shouldn’t allow children to be taking in large quantaties of tap water. Fluoride can also lead to birth deffects, kidney disease, ostyoperosis, and intestinal problems. But I think the biggest side effect we as a whole need to be aware and careful of the cancer. Fluoride has been suspected to be linked to some cancer’s, though it is not a deffinate link, but we still need to be aware of that and try to prevent it. Cancer, out of all of the side affects is my biggest concern. products.http://www.dentalhealth.ie/information/text_index.tmpl?Secid=20020822160750⊂id=2002082150149″>
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