By Louise Belle BHSc (Nut Med)

Fluoride is a mineral that has been added to drinking water and many dental hygiene products such as mouthwash and toothpaste, to strengthen our teeth and prevent cavities. We are also exposed to fluoride through some cookware, tea, processed foods, pesticides and some medications. We have always been told that fluoride is good for our teeth, but did you know it could potentially harm your brain? Research suggests that high fluoride exposure may cause damage to the brain though oxidative stress, degeneration of neurons and alterations in protein expression; increasing the risk of neurological conditions such as dementia. Research has also shown that children with high fluoride exposure have lower IQ’s than those with low fluoride exposure, and that fluoride can cross the placenta, having the potential to influence neurological development in the growing foetus. Whilst the research isn’t definitive, it definitely provides some food for thought! If you would like to reduce your exposure to fluoride, some simple tips include using a water filter, switching to fluoride-free toothpaste, and increasing antioxidants in your diet.

References
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Liu YJ, Guan ZZ, Gao Q, et al. Increased level of apoptosis in rat brains and SH-SY5Y cells exposed to excessive fluoride–a mechanism connected with activating JNK phosphorylation
Lou DD, Zhang KL, Qin SL, et al. Alteration of mitochondrial distribution and gene expression of fission 1 protein in cortical neurons of rats with chronic fluorosis. Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi 2012;41(4):243-247.