Cuprident Toothpaste - Natural, Non-Toxic, No Fluoride, Reduces Plaque    

The general population is exposed to fluorides in the air and in food, but the main source is found in drinking water. Fluorine, as sodium fluoride, is contained in most municipal drinking water supplies in the United States and has been credited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, U.S.A.) as “one of the 10 greatest achievements in public health during the 20th century.” Community water fluoridation was first implemented in the United States in 1945, after recognizing that fluoride hardens tooth enamel.

However, an excess accumulation of fluoride in the body can lead to demineralization of bone and tooth enamel, to a toxic condition called fluorosis. Bony changes, characterized by osteosclerosis, exostoses of the spine, and genu valgum, usually are seen only after prolonged high intake of fluoride in adults. These changes occur due to the fact that fluoride is not biodegradable and it accumulates in the body and bones resulting in a toxic or poisoning effect.

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Fluoride and Toxicity

The Merck Manual also discusses issues of the toxicity of fluoride. Excess accumulation of fluoride, fluorosis, occurs in teeth and bones in proportion to the level and duration of fluoride intake. Dental fluorosis is most evident in permanent teeth that develop during high fluoride intake. The earliest changes are chalky-white, irregularly distributed patches on the surface of the enamel. Over time, these patches become stained yellow or brown, producing a mottled appearance. Severe fluorosis weakens the enamel, pitting its surface.

The accumulation of fluoride in bones causes a condition known as skeletal fluorosis. In rare cases, consuming too much fluoride over a long period of time can result in dense but weak bones, bone spurs on the spine, and crippling due to calcification of ligaments.

The ongoing debate about the benefits of water fluoridation has been vigorous regarding the risk versus the benefit. Recent studies seem to suggest that the beneficial effects of fluoride are achieved through topical use and not through ingestion. Many Western European countries have rejected water fluoridation. In Belgium (a country which does not fluoridate its drinking water), a study commissioned by the health ministry found that excessive use of fluoride products increased the risk of osteoporosis and could damage the nervous system. As a result, in August 2002, Belgium became the first country in the world to prohibit fluoride supplements (fluoride chewing gum, tablets and drops). They did not, however, ban fluoride-containing toothpastes at that time because of the topical benefits in the prevention of tooth decay.

The potential danger regarding fluoride-containing toothpastes appears to be the accidental ingestion of fluoride due to inadvertently swallowing the paste and the absorption of fluoride via the mucous membrane (lining of the mouth) and tongue. A milligram can be absorbed in as little as two brushings. That equates to one plus milligrams of absorbed fluoride per day (Keeping in mind that the fastest method of administering stimulant drugs during a cardiac attack is sub-lingually -- under the tongue.). Swallowed or not, anyone using a fluoridated toothpaste will absorb at least this much, and some of us more. Young children are at the higher risk because they are more likely to swallow fluoride-containing toothpastes and rinses -- if not properly supervised by a parent or guardian.

Due to this concern, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA, U.S.A.) requires the following warning statement on the packaging of all fluoride-containing toothpastes:

Our extensive exposure to fluoride, in our water and food chain, has lead some medical professionals, scientists, and dentists to recommend the elimination of fluoride from the public water supply, and to avoid using fluoridated toothpastes.