Is Fluoride Harmful to Drink?

Fluoride is often added to public water supplies to prevent tooth decay, but ingesting fluoride may be harmful to your health. Here are some of the risks of fluoride consumption:

• Thyroid Problems: Studies have shown that ingestion of fluoridated water may impair thyroid function. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels may increase due to chronic fluoride ingesting, leading to reduced thyroid function or hypothyroidism.

• Dental Fluorosis: Exposure to high levels of  fluoride during tooth development can cause white spots or brown staining, and can damage tooth enamel.

• Skeletal Fluorosis: Fluoride is a cumulative toxin and over many years of exposure, this can result in pain and damage to bones and joints, ultimately leading to a bone disease known as skeletal fluorosis.

• Potential Neurotoxicity: Some studies suggest high fluoride intake may affect brain development, though more research is needed.

While fluoride has benefits in terms of reduction of cavities, the most effective way to deliver fluoride is through topical application onto teeth, not through the public water supply. To avoid the risks associated with ingesting fluoridated water, choose one of our filters with fluoride filtration:

• Glass Water System: filters 99.9% of fluoride 

• Gravity Water System: filters 99.5% of fluoride