Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and various foods. Its safety depends on the dosage and context in which it’s consumed or used. At low levels, like those typically found in fluoridated drinking water (around 0.7 parts per million in many places), fluoride is widely considered safe and effective for preventing tooth decay. Decades of research, including studies from the World Health Organization and the American Dental Association, back this up, showing no credible evidence of harm at these levels for the general population.
However, excessive fluoride intake can lead to problems. Fluorosis, for instance, happens when too much fluoride is consumed during tooth development (usually in kids under 8), causing white spots or, in severe cases, pitting of the enamel. This is mostly a cosmetic issue and happens at levels way above what’s in public water—think 2-4 ppm or higher. Then there’s skeletal fluorosis, a rare condition from chronic, super-high exposure (like 10-20 ppm over years), which can weaken bones. This is almost unheard of in places with controlled water fluoridation.
Some folks raise concerns about other risks—thyroid issues, neurotoxicity, or even cancer—often pointing to studies with high doses or shaky methodology. For example, a 2019 study linked higher fluoride exposure in pregnancy to lower IQ in kids, but it’s been criticized for confounding factors and isn’t conclusive. The broader scientific consensus, based on systematic reviews, doesn’t support these claims at standard exposure levels. That said, if you’re skeptical, you could dig into primary sources like PubMed or check what critics on X are saying alongside the raw data.
So, dangerous? Not at the tiny amounts in toothpaste or most tap water. Toxic? Only if you’re chugging industrial quantities or living somewhere with naturally insane levels in the groundwater.
