You probably already know that fluoride is touted as one of the key components in dental health. Seen as a way to reduce tooth decay and keep the mouth healthy, itโs added to everything from toothpaste and mouthwash to our drinking water.ย ย
However, in recent years, research has shown concern for the effects of fluoride on our bodies, suggesting it does more harm than good. From impacting fertility and lower IQ in children to increasing bone loss and aging, fluorideโs effect on our bodies is numerous. One thatโs important to know about (especially for women) is fluorideโs impact on your thyroid. These findings are especially relevant for anyone with hypothyroidism or low thyroid function.
A Brief History of Fluoride in Oral Health
In the 1900s, research began on naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water across the United States. People with high levels of fluoride concentrations in their water supply had stronger tooth enamel. Wanting to test the theory that fluoride prevents tooth decay, they decided to add it to drinking water and study the effects.
The town of Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city to test water fluoridation in 1945. They added fluoride and then tested school-aged children to see if the addition created stronger tooth enamel. The results showed that it reduced dental caries (or cavities) in these children.
To achieve community health, the practice of water fluoridation became widespread in the United States. As of 2020, about 73% of Americans have fluoride added to their water, but this varies from state to state. (You can check out the percentage of fluorinated water your state has with this map.)
Today, health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe in adding fluoride to our water. They see this as a safe and effective public health measure against tooth decay.
In fact, according to the CCD, adding fluoride to our drinking water is one of the top ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century!
Fluoride in Oral Care Products
Today, fluoride has been added to most dental products in an attempt to reduce the number of dental caries in children and adults. Itโs hard to find many oral care products that donโt contain this mineral. There are numerous sources of fluoride in our dental care products today, which adds to the fluoride weโre getting in our drinking water.
But is all this added fluoride actually good for us? The original findings showed it decreased dental caries. But thereโs one major difference between this and the practice of adding it to our water. The first reports of stronger teeth involved the naturally occurring prevalence of fluoride. This differs from the chemically manufactured fluoride added to our water and oral care products today. Those include sodium fluoride, fluorosilicic acid, and sodium fluorosilicate.
Although fluoride may strengthen our teeth, numerous health effects on our bodies should be considered.
Does Fluoride Exposure Affect Your Thyroid?
Weโve been told that fluoride is important to our dental health. But, the dangerous side effects of this mineral often manifest in our health. Fluoride exposure can lead to long-term health problems that are important to know about. One major impact fluoride has on our bodies is our thyroid function.
What Is the Thyroid and Its Role?
The thyroid gland is an important organ in our hormone regulation. Itโs responsible for regulating our metabolism, giving us energy, controlling our temperature, and producing tissue growth. This is mostly through the hormones T3 and T4. These thyroid hormones are made from iodine and tyrosine. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) made by the pituitary gland helps produce these hormones.
Thyroid disease can show up in two different ways. When the thyroid is underactive and canโt make enough hormones, the condition is called hypothyroidism. This is often associated with the autoimmune disease Hashimotoโs. Or, when thyroid function is too active, and hormone levels are too high, itโs known as hyperthyroidism. It can also lead to more serious issues like heart disease and developmental delays in children.
Fluorideโs Impacts on the Thyroid
As we mentioned, fluoride impacts our bodies in negative ways. Thyroid disease is one of the health effects of excessive fluoride exposure.
Fluoride exposure from fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste can harm the thyroid in several ways. Iodine is a key element needed for the creation of our thyroid hormones. Fluoride interferes with the bodyโs ability to absorb and use iodine, often causing an iodine deficiency.
Because fluoride is similar in structure to iodine, it can replace iodine in the thyroid. This means the body is then unable to absorb and use iodine. Fluoride also makes it difficult for the thyroid to absorb iodine, creating thyroid dysfunction.
Fluoride can also collect in the thyroid and cause problems with the thyroid doing its job. With an access of fluoride and an iodine deficiency, the body wouldnโt be able to produce thyroid hormones as needed.
Hypothyroidism and Fluoride
Numerous studies have been done to show the effects of fluoride on the thyroid over the years.
A 2023 review of 27 studies of the effects of fluoride on thyroid function shows that drinking water with high fluoride in it can affect thyroid function. It also showed that fluoridated water can increase TSH levels in children and, therefore, the risk of hypothyroidism.
This 2018 study shows that fluoride impacts thyroid hormone levels, even when drinking water with the standard level of fluoride added. This study in 2015 in England shows that high levels of fluoride contribute to hypothyroidism.
Pregnant Women and Fluoride
In addition, pregnant women are susceptible to hypothyroidism from drinking fluoridated water. This PubMed 2023 evaluation of a study involving a group of Canadian pregnant women shows the results of a study testing fluoride intake and hypothyroidism. High levels of fluoride intake while pregnant also have an impact on the baby, including lower IQ based on a study of children in India and also larger birth sizes.
Fluoride Exposure: What Can You Do?
Although it may seem like fluoride is everywhere in dental care (and unavoidable), the truth is that itโs easier than you think to limit your familyโs fluoride intake. And the interventions needed are not difficult!
The best place to start is to drink filtered water. This is especially important if you have iodine deficiency already. There are lots of options out there, from the whole house and under-counter filters to more cost-effective countertop versions. Just make sure that whichever filter you choose filters out fluoride.
Another important way to decrease your fluoride ingestion is to choose oral care products that donโt include fluoride. All of our Wellnesse toothpaste options are free from fluoride. Instead, we use hydroxyapatite to strengthen teeth and fight cavities.
In addition, choose mouthwash alternatives that donโt include added fluoride. Wellnesseโs Balanced Mouth Blend is a potent combination of essential oils that will clean your mouth, and it doesnโt contain fluoride! Just mix a few drops with water and use it as a mouthwash for fresh breath and healthy teeth.
Reduce Fluoride for a Healthier Thyroid (and Body)
Being mindful of added fluoride and working to lower your familyโs intake is a great way to keep your thyroid healthy. In addition, your entire body will benefit from taking in less of this chemical. Make sure to choose products that use natural and effective alternatives to fluoride to keep your familyโs teeth healthy.
Check out the Wellnesse line of fluoride-free toothpaste and oral care!
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