Can you fluoridate your water

Answer 1

Yes, water can be fluoridated, and sometimes the tap water you drink is already fluoridated. Nevertheless, it can cause adverse health effects.

Indeed, children who drink fluoridated water are at increased risk of developing fluorosis, a defect of the permanent teeth resulting in staining and, in severe cases, substantial corrosion of the enamel. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 30 percent of children who drink fluoridated water have some degree of fluorosis. The National Academy of Sciences has also raised concerns about fluoride exposure and bone fractures in the elderly, skeletal fluorosis, thyroid hormone disruption, and neurotoxicity (including effects on IQ). In addition, there is evidence that fluoridated water is linked to osteosarcoma, an often fatal form of bone cancer, in boys.

Furthermore, it is dangerous to give your infant formula made with fluoridated water. Both the Centers for Disease control and the American Dental Association now recommend that children under 6 months not consume fluoridated water. This is because infants are at increased risk for tooth damage (dental fluorosis) when they consume fluoridated water (especially when formula made with such water is their only source of nutrition), and because there is little evidence that ingesting fluoride before teeth erupt provides any benefit.

So fluoride exposure should be limited to toothpaste, where it provides the greatest dental benefit and presents the lowest overall health risk.