How to Avoid Fluoride

American families have been taught for decades that fluoride can help prevent tooth decay; however, too much of this naturally occurring compound raises the risk of bone fractures, reduces the function of the thyroid gland, and causes tooth and brain defects in infants and children. Although a number of studies have demonstrated that ingesting fluoride isn't effective for preventing tooth decay, many communities continue to add fluoride to drinking water, increasing the risk of side effects. To avoid ingesting excessive amounts of fluoride, you must know which products contain this substance.

Where Does Fluoride Occur Naturally?

• Fluoride is a naturally occuring compound of the element fluorine and various minerals that are found in rocks and soil. Most water contains low levels of fluoride, as do fish, tea, fruits and vegetables, meat, milk and eggs. Exposure to the levels of fluoride found in these items is considered safe by the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency. It's when fluoride is used as an additive in various products that the ingested levels become potentially toxic.

Fluoride as an Additive

• Many communities add fluoride to their drinking water to help combat tooth decay. In addition, toothpaste and other dental products contain high levels of fluoride. Processed drinks, such as soda and juice, are manufactured with fluoridated water. Grapes grown commercially are often treated with the fluoride-based pesticide sodium fluoaluminate, and fluoridated water is used in grape production. Chicken that has been mechanically deboned, such as chicken nuggets, canned chicken and baby food, contains ground-up bone, which has excessive amounts of fluoride. Nonstick pan coating is a compound of fluorine, and using it to cook your food can increase the fluoride in it. Many anesthetics contain fluoride; a patient who had undergone anesthesia often has extremely high levels of fluoride in his blood for about 24 hours.

Ways to Avoid Excessive Fluoride

• To avoid ingesting excessive amounts of fluoride, drink bottled or distilled water, or filter your tap water using a reverse-osmosis or activated alumina filter. Cut down on your processed beverage intake, including soda, tea and reconstituted juices. Buy organically grown fruits and vegetables, which are not treated with fluoride-based pesticides. Avoid canned fish and processed chicken. Don't swallow fluoridated toothpaste or other dental products that contain fluoride, but if you must use them, rinse your mouth thoroughly when you're finished. Ask your doctor about possible traces of fluoride in your medications and request fluoride-free anesthetic if you are undergoing surgery.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

• While you should avoid excessive amounts of fluoride, you also need to protect your teeth from decay. Fluoride works best to prevent tooth decay when it's applied directly to the teeth. The American Dental Association recommends two professional applications of fluoride varnish each year to prevent cavities. The Centers for Disease Control suggests brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, as frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride reduces the occurrence of tooth decay; however, the organization recommends avoiding swallowing any amount of toothpaste.