Water, toothpaste, mouthwash, produce — they all contain fluoride. You deserve to know about the risks and side effects.

We’ve all been told a big lie about fluoride — we’ve been told it’s good for your teeth, keeps them strong and prevents cavities. But here is the cold hard truth: fluoride isn’t the protective ingredient we’ve been led to believe it is. Because, in reality, synthetic fluoride is extremely harmful and poses great health risks. 

Yet, somehow, fluoride is promoted by health officials and dentists. They all go on and on about how essential it is to maintain good oral health. They don’t tell you that these so-called “benefits” come at a cost. Fluoride doesn’t just sit there on your teeth — it accumulates in your body and inflicts harm upon it.

You should know the facts because fluoride is in countless dental products, water and even produce. It’s extremely concerning, especially because so many people have no idea how harmful it is. 

So, I want to share with you the truth behind fluoride. From neurological effects to thyroid issues, this synthetic chemical does far more harm than good. But don’t worry, there are ways you can protect your family from fluoride.

Before we jump into the risks and facts, let’s talk briefly about what fluoride is and why it’s so widely accepted and used.

What Is Fluoride?

If you look at the periodic table, find the element with the atomic number nine — that’s fluorine. So fluoride is essentially any compound that contains this fluorine ion. Because of this, there are a couple of different types of fluoride. 

As a pure gas, fluorine is very dangerous to any living organism — it’s extremely toxic. Exposure to high amounts of this gas can highly damage the lungs and lead to death. The nuclear power industry uses this gas to make chemical compounds. 

There is also calcium fluoride (CaF2), which is found in nature. It is found in very low amounts within the soil and water. Depending on the area, some water and soil can contain higher amounts. However, calcium fluoride is usually not a cause for concern because it’s not easy for the body to absorb. 

Sodium fluoride (NaF) is a very dangerous chemical. It cannot be found in nature, and unlike calcium fluoride, it’s highly absorbed by the body. This man-made chemical was considered a toxic industrial waste until the 1950s, when Crest started advertising its fluoride toothpaste. 

Sodium Fluoride (NaF) is added to many pesticides as well — so it can be present in produce that isn’t organic — it’s also added to your dental products and drinking water.

As of 2020, around 72 percent of people in the U.S. with community water systems drink fluoridated water. What’s also scary is that 90 percent of this water is fluoridated with hydrofluorosilicic acid (HFS or FSA), a toxic by-product of the processing of phosphate rock used in fertilizer. 

Hydrofluorosilicic acid also contains arsenic and leaches lead from piping. Lead is very unsafe and harmful to your body — it can harm infants in the womb, and it crosses the blood-brain barrier.

So, what does this exposure mean for your body? Let’s take a closer look at the side effects that fluoride poses.

Side Effects of Fluoride

After I learned all the facts and really understood what fluoride is, the side effects didn’t surprise me. Something this toxic will always negatively affect your body. 

Here are the top side effects of fluoride:

1. Neurological Damage: In 2014, fluoride was documented as a neurotoxin. Fluoride has been known to affect brain development in children, causing lower IQ and cognitive issues.

2. Leads to Bone Issues: High fluoride exposure can lead to skeletal fluorosis, a very painful bone disease that causes pain and damage to joints and bones. Exposure can also cause bones to harden, which increases the risk of fractures and joint mobility issues.

3. Linked to Hypothyroidism: A study in the U.K. discovered that people drinking unfluoridated water were two times less likely to develop hypothyroidism than those who drank fluoridated water. 

4. Causes Dental fluorosis: Children exposed to fluoride can develop dental fluorosis. This causes white specks and streaks to appear on the enamel. 

5. Can Interfere With Sexual Development: Fluoride can induce early puberty in females and cause delayed puberty in males, negatively affecting their hormones. 

Yikes, am I right? When I learned all this, it was terrifying, and my first thought was, “How do I avoid this and keep it away from my family?” These side effects are no joke. 

Luckily, there are ways you can protect yourself and your family from fluoride.

How Can I Avoid Fluoride?

There are a couple of ways you can eliminate your fluoride exposure. These clean swaps will ensure this dangerous chemical doesn’t affect you or your family. 

Tap Water for Filtered Water

Most water systems in the U.S. are fluoridated, making water a huge source of fluoride. Using a reverse osmosis water filter can eliminate all the toxic fluoride hiding in your drinking water. 

Reverse osmosis filters aren’t cheap, but the quality and results are far more than worth the investment. Unlike other water filters, reverse osmosis filters out fluoride, heavy metals, arsenic and chlorine. 

BEST SWAP: Carafe Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier 

Fluoride Toothpaste for Fluoride-Free

Most toothpaste contains fluoride as a main ingredient because it “prevents cavities and strengthens teeth.” Well, it does a whole lot more than that. It exposes you to the toxicity of fluoride and puts your body at risk for physical, neurological and hormonal imbalances. 

The good news is that many companies today know the truth about fluoride and are making clean, fluoride-free toothpaste. It is especially important for young children and babies to avoid fluoride as they develop. 

BEST SWAPS: Davids Premium Toothpaste & Attitude Baby Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Non-Organic Produce for Organic

Pesticides are full of fluoride, meaning that non-organic produce is sprayed with these harmful and toxic chemicals. Ingesting these chemicals can cause many risks, and fluoride is known to worsen them. 

Try to buy organic produce instead. If you can’t afford to buy all organic, EWG’s 2024 Dirty Dozen list can help you. It will tell you which foods absorb the most of these pesticides and herbicides. 

BEST SWAP: Organic produce — shop online at Thrive Market.

Mouthwash and Fluoride Treatment for Coconut Pulling

I always get interesting looks whenever I go to the dentist’s office and refuse fluoride treatments. They then try to explain why it’s so important for teeth, but I don’t budge. Why would I want anyone to coat my children's teeth with that toxic substance? Unfortunately, fluoride is also hidden in mouthwashes.

Opt for coconut pulling instead — it’s super easy and effective. All you have to do is spoon out a bit of coconut oil and let it melt in your mouth as you swish it around. It can help whiten teeth, fight off bacteria and keep you feeling fresh. 

Tip: This isn’t a replacement for flossing and brushing your teeth. For this to work effectively, it’s best to floss and brush your teeth after swooshing the coconut oil in your mouth. Without flossing, you can still be at risk for oral hygiene issues. 

BEST SWAP: Garden of Life Unrefined Coconut Oil

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I’m very dedicated to providing you with the info you need to make the best choices for you and your family. Whether it’s avoiding hidden toxins, finding clean swaps or boosting your immune system, I’m here to help you achieve the healthy lifestyle you want.

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