| Health Mail Vol.1 Issue 2 | Title : Facts about Fluoride | 1/1 |
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'What's the Alternative' (Style Magazine – Sunday Times) had the following information on fluoride. In the United States you will find warnings on toothpaste tubes saying that users who swallow more than the amount used for brushing should contact a poison control centre. You are also advised that only a pea-sized amount is used for children under six. In the United Kingdom, we do not have such warnings. Fluoride is a cumulative poison and while the body excretes about 50% of the fluoride we ingest, the rest is stored, mainly in the bones. Less than 2% of Europe's population has fluoridated water. Fluoride in water was banned by Sweden and West Germany in 1971; Norway in 1975; Holland in 1976; Denmark in 1977; and France in 1980. In the UK, 10% of people still have fluoridated water. Recent worldwide trials show that there is no significant difference in tooth decay between children living in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. However, this information has had no impact on users of fluoride toothpaste, and 90% of the population of the UK still use fluoride toothpaste. Since 1990, there have been numerous large-scale studies reporting a link between fluoride intake and hip fractures, with some showing an 87% increase among the elderly populations. Skeletal fluorosis is said to be a serious risk in people who have ingested 10mg-20mg of fluoride per day for between 10 and 20 years. Most ordinary toothpaste also contains sodium lauryl sulphate, which is a foaming agent. There is evidence that this compound (sodium lauryl sulphate) could make gums weaker. Alternatives to fluoride toothpaste 1) Organic toothpaste in mint, citrus or fennel flavour is available through the Green People Company (tel: 01444-401444). Mandarin flavour is available for children. All four flavours contain stavia (a sweet herb that may help prevent tooth decay). 2) Sarakan – contains salvadora persica extract from the shrub Salvadora persica, also known as the 'toothbrush tree' – available in most health food shops. It is vegan, non foaming, unsweetened and contains no fluoride. It does contain sodium lauryl sulphate, though not as one of the main ingredients. For more information: www.fluoridation.com/calgaryh.htm www.rvi.net/~fluoride/ |
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