Drinking Water Fluoridation. Evaluation of Health Advantages and Risks

Abstract

This article presents a critical analysis of water fluoridation, with an analysis of advantages, disadvantages and risks for health. Advantages: fluoridation prevents caries development in regions where natural fluoride levels are low, where its addition to water caused a decrease in caries incidence; this decrease was not so noticeable in populations with access to fluoridated tooth paste or pharmaceuticals. Disadvantages and health risks: water fluoridation increases incidence of dental fluorosis. It increases the incidence of various bone fractures due to osteoporosis during senile age, and specially, hip fractures in women and men exposed to fluoride immediately following their menopause or andropause. It antagonizes calcium uptake in various organs and systems, in the neurons inhibiting their axonal growth, in leukocytes affecting various functions. It inhibits immunity and the phagocytic activity of macrophages, and induces heat shock protein. It decreases glucose tolerance and stimulates osteosarcoma cell proliferation. Its relation with Down syndrome occurrence is possible. Perinatal exposure to fluoride may cause persistent delayed effects favoring the development of various diseases later in life. It is concluded that water fluoridation is innocuous or beneficial during early ages (child and adolescent) of life, but that is highly inconvenient during older ages; consequently, it is recommended the preference of fluoride administration added to food products consumed exclusively by children or adolescents.