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NEW: Dental
fluorosis on the rise according to new US survey -
FAN Science Watch, August 25, 2005
Dental Fluorosis: A Cosmetic Effect?
(Back to top)
"It is a toxic effect and a cosmetic effect. These are not mutually exclusive. It's toxic and it's cosmetic."
- Dr. Arvid Carlsson, Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine/Physiology (2000).
"it is illogical to assume that
tooth enamel is the only tissue affected by low daily doses of
fluoride ingestion."
- Dr. Hardy Limeback, Head of Preventive Dentistry, University
of Toronto. (2000). Why I am
now Officially Opposed to Adding Fluoride to Drinking Water.
"Common sense should tell us that
if a poison circulating in a child's body can damage the tooth-forming
cells, then other harm also is likely."
- Colquhoun J. (1997). Why I changed my mind about Fluoridation. Perspectives in Biology and
Medicine 41:29-44.
"Like bones, a child's teeth are alive and growing.
Flourosis is the result of fluoride rearranging the crystalline
structure of a tooth's enamel as it is still growing. It is evidence
of fluoride's potency and ability to cause physiologic changes
within the body, and raises concerns about similar damage that
may be occurring in the bones."
- Environmental Working Group, "National Academy Calls
for Lowering Fluoride Limits in Tap Water", March 22,
2006.
"It seems prudent at present to
assume that the ameloblasts are not the only cells in the body
whose function may be disturbed by the physiological concentrations
of fluoride which result from drinking water containing 1 ppm"
- Groth, E. (1973), Two Issues
of Science and Public Policy: Air Pollution Control in the San
Francisco Bay Area, and Fluoridation of Community Water Supplies.
Ph.D. Dissertation, Department
of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, May 1973.
"The safety of the use of fluorides
ultimately rests on the assumption that the developing enamel
organ is most sensitive to the toxic effects of fluoride. The
results from this study suggest that the pinealocytes
may be as susceptible to fluoride as the developing enamel organ."
- Luke J. (1997). The
Effect of Fluoride on the Physiology of the Pineal Gland.
Ph.D. Thesis. University of Surrey, Guildford. p. 176.
"A linear correlation between
the Dean index of dental fluorosis and the frequency of bone fractures
was observed among both children and adults."
- Alarcon-Herrera MT, et al. (2001). Well Water Fluoride, Dental
fluorosis, Bone Fractures in the Guadiana Valley of Mexico. Fluoride
34(2): 139-149.
Dental Fluorosis:
What is it? (Back to
top)
Dental fluorosis is an irreversible condition caused by excessive
ingestion of fluoride during the tooth forming years. It is the
first visible sign that a child has been overexposed
to fluoride.
Fluoride causes dental fluorosis by damaging the enamel-forming
cells, called ameloblasts. The damage to these cells results in
a mineralization
disorder of the teeth, whereby the porosity of the sub-surface
enamel is increased.
While the dental profession claims that dental fluorosis is solely
a 'cosmetic' effect, and not a health effect,
this statement is an assumption and not a fact. Certainly, dental
fluorosis represents a toxic
effect on tooth cells. The question is whether tooth cells
are the only cells in the body
that are impacted.
As noted by former proponent of fluoridation, Dr.
John Colquhoun, "Common sense should tell us that if
a poison circulating in a child's body can damage the tooth-forming
cells, then other harm also is
likely."
As noted by Dr.
Hardy Limeback, former President of the Canadian Association
of Dental Research, "it is illogical to assume that tooth
enamel is the only tissue affected by low daily doses of fluoride
ingestion."
Over the past 50 years, the prevalence
of dental fluorosis has increased quite dramatically in the
United States and other fluoridated countries.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control, dental fluorosis now impacts 32% of American children.
(In the 1940s, dental fluorosis rates in fluoridated areas
averaged 10%.)
Not only is the prevalence of fluorosis increasing, but so to
is its severity.
As noted by Dr. Gary Whitford:
"There is a growing body of evidence
which indicates that the prevalence and, in some cases, the
severity of dental fluorosis is increasing in both fluoridated
and non-fluoridated regions in the U.S... This trend is undesirable
for several reasons: (1) It increases the risk of esthetically
objectionable enamel defects; (2) in more severe cases,
it increases the risk of harmful
effects to dental function; (3) it places
dental professionals at an increased risk of litigation;
and (4) it jeopardizes the perception of the safety and, therefore,
the public acceptance of the use of fluorides."
According to recent estimates from the U.S. and British Governments,
2 to 12% of children living in fluoridated communities have dental
fluorosis of "esthetic concern" (Griffin 2002; York
Review 2000).
Dental fluorosis, of esthetic concern, is an expensive condition
to treat. If left untreated, it can cause embarrassment
for school-aged children, resulting in psychological
stress and damaged self-esteem.
There is also mounting evidence that dental fluorosis in its
more advanced stages can leave teeth more susceptible to cavities.
As noted by pro-fluoridation dental researcher, Dr. Steven Levy,
"With more severe forms of fluorosis, caries risk increases
because of pitting and loss of the outer enamel" (Levy 2003).
Q & A on Dental Fluorosis:
"My child has dental fluorosis. What can we do to
fix it?"
The damage that dental fluorosis causes to the internal matrix
of the teeth is permanent. There is no way to reverse this damage.
However, there are ways to 'hide the damage' -- to treat the surface
of the teeth so as to hide the discoloration.
Treatment options for fluorosis vary and will depend in part on
the severity of the fluorosis and what you can afford (some of the
treatments are very expensive). Some of the more common treatments
include:
- Abrasion: Abrasion
involves finely sanding off the outer layer of the enamel. It
is a common approach when the fluorosis is mild. However, if the
fluorosis is of a more advanced severity, abrasion is probably
not a good idea as it can bring to the surface of the teeth a
highly-porous enamel that will be prone to attrition.
- Composite bonding:
Composite bonding first involves lightly roughening the area of
the damaged enamel. After etching the enamel, a composite resin
(with a color matching your teeth) is "glued" on to
the exterior of the tooth.
- Porcelain veneers/laminates:
Made out of porcelain, veneers form a ceramic shell over the surface
of the tooth. Veneers may need to be replaced after several years,
however, which can become quite expensive.
To determine which method of treating fluorosis will be best for
you, contact your local dentist. If your dentist
doesn't specialize in cosmetic dentistry, he/she should be able
to refer you to a nearby dentist who does.
News Articles on Dental Fluorosis:
Further Information on Dental Fluorosis:
 Letters
from People Impacted by Dental Fluorosis
The
following is a sampling of emails sent to the Fluoride
Action Network (FAN) from people impacted by dental
fluorosis.
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 21:34:12 EDT
To: personal@fluoridealert.org
Subject: depressing fluorosis
My
name is Jennifer and I have severe dental fluorosis. I am now 20
and have had this since I was very young. This has really affected
my life to the fullest extent. In elementary, middle, and high school,
I was teased really bad by the other kids. People did not understand
what I was talking about when I tried to explain, they thought I
just did not brush my teeth. I can't smile or even look people in
the eye when I talk to them. It is completely devastating. Thank
God I am finally getting it fixed. I am going in one month for a
Composite Bonding. I wish more people knew how exactly this affects
children. Especially when they grow older, everyone would like a
nice smile, but this makes it so much worse, especially since it
is permanent. To everyone else that has it, remember you are not
the only ones!!
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:39:16 +0100
Subject: Victim of Fluoride Tablets
Sir/
Madam
I
have just come across your website and wondered whether you would
be able to assist me.
When
my older sister was born NHS staff advised my Mum to give her fluoride
tablets to help make her teeth strong she took the advice and when
I was born I was given the same tablet, until my older sisters second
teeth started to show. It was then my mum realized that instead
of making our teeth better these tablets had permanently mottled
our teeth, mine more obvious than my sisters.
I
have researched into bleaching and other cosmetic procedures to
rectify this problem which has had an effect on my confidence and
self-esteem, but because of the complex nature of the problem the
only solution I can find would be to have porcelain veneers which
cost a fortune.
Could
you tell me if the NHS or any other responsible body was offering
compensation for the ill advice they gave vulnerable mothers in
the early eighties?
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2005 19:10:10 EST
Subject: Fluoridosis
My
son has been diagnosed with fluoridosis. I had followed the advice
of his pediatrician and given him the fluoride drops, and now we're
stuck with the problem. I realize there is nothing I can do about
his teeth. Is there simply nothing that can be done at all through
nutrition?
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2005 08:37:18 -0800 (PST)
Subject: my child has FLUOROSIS
Dear
Fluoride Action Network,
My
adopted daughter has Fluorosis. Even the dentist didn't know why
her teeth were mottled, but when I saw your web site I recognized
it instantly. My daughter has big teeth, and unfortunately her teeth
deter from her beautiful face. She's 9 years old right now. My question
is, what can I DO for her cosmetically? Her teeth look dirty, even
when they are not, and she has been getting teased at school. Thanks
So Much,
------ Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 23:49:51 +0000
Subject: Thanks
I
am so happy to view a website warning people about the dangers of
too much fluoride. I am one of the unlucky people who has moderate
to severe fluorosis - many of my teeth are pitted and discolored.
I am writing this email to thank you because the knowledge provided
here has taught me what is safe and not safe for the children that
I hope to have some day. I would never want them to go through the
embarrassment and humiliation that I have experienced. Also, I was
wondering if you know about options that I have as far as getting
my teeth fixed. I know that cosmetic dentistry is expensive, so
I am looking for something affordable, if there is such a thing.
Thanks.
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 17:49:28 -0500
Subject: Flourosis
Hello.
I have a mild case of flourosis and I hate the way my teeth look.
It bothers me a lot, I avoid smiling as a result. I know that there's
no way to reverse this... but I want to fix my teeth so that I don't
see any more white spots. I particularly concerned with my two front
teeth, what cosmetic procedure would you suggest I get?
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 14:16:05 -0600
Subject: Question
Hello. I stumbled upon the National Treasury Employees Union report
written by Dr. J. William Hirzy dated 05-01-99 a few months ago,
through the Feingold Association’s website, and figured out
immediately that THIS is what’s wrong with my son’s
teeth. My problem, now, however is that I can’t seem to find
any information on what to do about it. Can/should I get him tested
for fluoride levels in his body? Do I have any recourse against
the dentists who’ve prescribed the fluoride pills for him
b/c we have well water? And, is there anything I can do to make
his “funky teeth” normal again? Can you give me some
direction?
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 18:44:57 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: fluoride
Thanks
for the reply. I VERY MUCH appreciate it. Do
you think it is possible to reverse some of the damage
I have already done? I read the worst time to
overdose on fluoride is 21-30 months for females (this
is when the enamel on those top incisors are forming)
and this is the EXACT time we overdosed her! I know
you said it's not too late, but can I reverse what I
have done so that her fluorosis won't be moderate or
severe? What if I give her extra calcium? Do you
know? (Can you tell I am very upset about this? ha ha)
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Thu, 2 Dec 2004 05:03:40 -0800 (PST)
Subject: dental fluorosis
Hello,
I'm 27 years old, and I noticed recently that I have some white
spots on my front teeth. I was surprised because I went to the dentist
2 months ago, and he said that my teeth were fine and he didn't
mention a thing about the white spots. I don't know whether that
was because he didn't see them as cause for concern, or because
they only recently appeared.
In any case, I've been reading about Dental Fluorosis on your site,
and the pictures labeled "Mild fluorosis" seem to be pretty
close to what my teeth look like.
Since this seems to be an irriversible process, is there anything
at all that I can do prevent it from getting worse? Is it too late,
and will my teeth eventually develop severe fluorosis?
I've started taking calcium supplements and limiting the foods that
are high in fluoride (i.e. tea and fluoridated toothpaste). Is there
anything else I can do?
thanks,
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 23:52:10 -0500
Subject: Good news/bad news
I am not dealing with this whole fluoride thing well at all. Every
time I look at J...'s teeth I have to hold back my tears. Every
baby and toddler I saw at Disney reminded me that at that age I
was giving her poison. Every time I look at her I wonder what other
damage this poison may have done inside of her.
I
know that dealing with distraught moms is probably outside your
area of expertise and I appreciate your patience. You're my link
to the people and information I need to help my daughter...
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 21:59:43 +1000 (EST)
Subject: i need a cure
Hi,
i have flurosis and i need to get it cured! I need help. I went
to my local dentist and he had never seen or heard about flurosis.
I was born and raised in Australia, not India were the drinking
water contained chemicals. All i am asking for is a cure, i have
enought info about the preventative measures and causes, but its
too late, i've had it on my teeth for as long as i can remember.
I am 18 and its my first yr at university, it is really embarrassing
talking to people up close. Is there some way you can help me in
finding a cost efficient permanent cure?
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 14:20:06 -0800
Subject: help with fluorosis
What
do you do about fixing this discoloration. The dentists say bleaching
won't work and they recommend veneers!!!
Tens
of thousands of dollars for grinding down great shaped teeth that
are just discolored? Won't anything else work?
------ Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 02:14:30 EST
Subject: question I
think my 8 yr old son has fluorosis, so what do I do now? He has
been using flouride toothpaste for years and a fluoride supplement
his dentist prescribed AND rinses with ACT on occasion which has
fluoride in it. He has some white spots on his two top front teeth
which are still growing in and are his permanent teeth. He also
has developemental delays, which makes me wonder. At this point,
will this go away and should I stop using fluoride now to help it
or is the harm already done if I can see white spots already? thanks
for info
------ Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2003 00:47:59 -0500
Subject: No subject Hi,
I can't seem to find any information on how to correct dental fluorosis.
I am a 25 yr old aspiring t.v. reporter who just noticed a small
white spot on my front tooth and I want to correct it. My career
is partly based on my looks, so I'm a little paranoid about the
spot. PLEASE let me know if there's any way to fix this!! THANK
YOU!!
------ Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2003 19:25:03 -0800 (PST)
Subject: New to the fluoride issues
Hello,
I
recently became aware of the dangers of fluoridated
water after the movie "Dr. Strangelove" prompted me to
look up information on fluoridation, which at first, I
thought was a big joke.
After
reading the material on your and others sites, I
have taken some "first level" actions to find out more
about this situation.
I
have contacted the ADA, the city health office of
Norfolk, VA as well as other government and civilian
agencies. I even wrote to the Brita water filtration
company asking why their filters are not advertised as
removing fluoride.
After
studying the nature and physical symptoms of
Dental Fluorosis and am now dismayed to finally learn
that the white spots on my teeth are not degraded
tooth enamel, but mild DF. Can you recommend a good
non-fluoride toothpaste?
If
you have a mailing list, please include me and I
hope to be in touch with you in the future.
Thank
you,
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2003 12:06:46 EDT
Subject: Daughter's recent diagnosis of fluorosis
My
daughter recently went to a new dentist, who diagnosed fluorosis.
We have changed toothpaste to an organic type w/no added fluoride,
but I am concerned about the bottled water she consumes (a lot).
How do I find a brand that does not use fluoride to purify? Is there
a list online?
Thank you for your help!
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 10:21:28 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Dental Fluorosis
Hello.
I have a question about Dental Fluorosis. I think I might have it.
I have had white marks on my 2 front teeth as long as I can remember.
I never knew what caused it. I had no idea it might be dental fluorosis.
Is there any way to tell for sure? Have you ever heard of someone
suing their municipality for causing dental fluorosis?
Thanks
------ Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2003 20:26:58 -0400
Subject: Question I
have a special needs child that does not know how to spit the toothpaste
out. He is a toddler. His dr. said to use regular toothpaste with
fluoride in it so I have been using kids sparkle fun flavor.
My concern is that his teeth are yellow and at the tips they are
a grayish color. Even though I brush them 2x a day. They get that
color not too long after brushing. He also takes nebulizer treatments
for his breathing. I had read that they might could cause it. But
his dr. said that he doesn't think that it would be causing it.
He has been on it for months for the discoloring to start now. He
thought it might be the well water but my son doesn't eat any foods
that we cook and our area has high fluoride also but that would
not be it either.
I wanted to see if anyone reading this email might have some insight
on what I could try. Maybe I need to change the toothpaste or something
like that. If you would email me back please.
Thanks
Concerned mom
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2003 20:08:31 -0300
Subject: Fluorspar
To
whom it may concern,
I am 39 years old and was exposed to Fluorspar in our drinking water
when I was growing up. My upper teeth had to be removed by the age
of 14 due to deterioration. My back lower teeth never came out,
are still dormant according to my dentist. I had to have a partial
put in.
My question: "Is it safe for me to have a child. Do I have
a greater chance of having a Down Syndrome baby? or even bone deformities?"
Can this be a hidden cause for my asthma and other aches and pains.
If yes, what can I do... My clock is ticking...I'm finally with
a loving man for a long time. If at all possible I would like to
have a child.
Thanking you in advance for your time.
------ Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 12:55:13 +0100
Subject: dental flluorosis
my
son has what looks like to me severe dental fluorosis, although
our dentist has transfered us to see a dental specialist no one
wants to say what is actually wrong with his teeth, how can we find
out more.
------
Forwarded Message
From: [...]
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 00:35:55 -0800
Subject: my daughter
My
daughter is almost 6 yrs.old. She was born in Phoenix where we lived
untill she was 1. We now live in southern Ca. When she was born
I was very unsure about the care of children. I got some notion
that my daughter needed aditional fluoride. Her doctor perscribed
fluoride drops. I have no written record of the prescription or
remember how long I gave it to her. Now her adult teeth are comming
in and they are not as white as her baby teeth and one has a white
spot on it. her dentist keeps telling me they are fine but I think
maybe he has just never seen damage due to fluoride. I am also having
a hard time accepting that I did this very large and important mistake
to my child. What should I do? I am sure this is the problem, but
I do want comformation and I am worried about her health, bones
etc. I gave her the fluoride sometime before she was 1.
Very stressed mother
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