Fluoride has long been promoted as a critical ingredient in the fight against tooth decay. It’s added to public water supplies, found in most commercial toothpastes, and endorsed by many dental organizations. But growing research raises valid concerns about fluoride toxicity—and many health-conscious individuals are choosing to go fluoride-free.

In this episode, we’ll break down what the science really says about fluoride, why some experts are calling for caution, and the potential health benefits of switching to fluoride-free products and water.

What Is Fluoride, and Why Is It Used?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral known for strengthening enamel and helping prevent cavities. Since the mid-20th century, it’s been added to drinking water and oral care products as a public health measure to reduce tooth decay.

But here’s the thing: more fluoride isn’t always better—and studies suggest that long-term exposure can come with unintended health risks.

Most of us grew up being told how important and beneficial fluoride is.We were told that it was important for strong teeth. Because of this, it is much harder for most people to accept its downfall.

There are over 25 human studies and 100 animal studies connecting fluoride to brain damage and lowered IQ. Several peer-reviewed studies have shown fluoridation to weaken bones. Dental fluorosis is when tooth enamel becomes discolored and is due to fluoride disrupting the enamel during development. However, dentists will often tell us it’s because of poor hygiene.

Please recognize that the dangers of fluoride are real. What they did not tell us is that fluoride damages a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which has no blood-brain barrier to protect it. The hippocampus is responsible for emotions, behavior, learning, memory, and spatial awareness. It is the primary part of the brain affected by those with Alzheimer’s. 

We absorb fluoride from dental treatments, brushing or rinsing with fluoride, and drinking water with added fluoride. When aluminum and fluoride are combined, as in fluoridated water in an aluminum pan or using fluoride toothpaste from an aluminum container, the toxic effects are heightened.

Scientific Concerns About Fluoride Toxicity

Neurotoxicity and Cognitive Development

 
There are two factors of fluoride toxicity that are of greatest concern.The first is genetic damage. Damage to DNA repair enzymes affects the reproductive cells and is inherited by our children.

The second factor of great concern to us is fluoride’s effect on the brain. Common signs are difficulty thinking, poor memory, and fatigue. For the developing brain in a fetus, fluoride crosses the blood-brain barrier, accumulates, and then spreads to all areas of the brain. 

A 2012 Harvard meta-analysis of 27 studies found that children exposed to high levels of fluoride in drinking water had significantly lower IQ scores. In 2019, a study published in JAMA Pediatrics linked higher fluoride levels during pregnancy to lower cognitive scores in children.

These findings have led many researchers to question whether fluoride exposure during developmental years may have lasting effects on brain health.

More recently, on January 6th, 2025, A meta-analysis on children’s IQ was published in JAMA Pediatrics. The study was conducted by scientists from the NIH National Toxicology Program.

The NTP started this work in 2016. As with all research documents intended for publication, the NTP fluoride monograph and meta-analysis underwent rigorous scientific evaluation. The evaluation process has involved many steps.

The draft fluoride monograph received critical feedback during peer-review by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), from other external experts, and from experts in several federal health agencies.

After modifications were made, additional evaluation following a rigorous scientific framework was conducted by subject matter experts organized by the NTP Board of Scientific Counselors. This document is now complete and available for reference which you will find in the show notes.

The findings of the study states:

A meta-analysis of 74 epidemiological studies examining the link between children’s IQ and fluoride exposure found that the more fluoride pregnant women and young children are exposed to, the greater the decrease in a child’s IQ. 

So the question arises, “If studies beginning in 2012 showed these same findings, then why now, thirteen years later, are they still not widely informing the public?”

This is why I’m here to help educate you about these crucial findings. 

Additionally on January 13, 2025, lawsuits were filed against multiple children’s toothpaste brands deceptively marketing their products, which contain fluoride, as “extra safe for children.” 

Thyroid Disruption

Excess fluoride may interfere with thyroid function. A 2018 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that fluoride exposure was associated with altered thyroid hormone levels, particularly in iodine-deficient individuals.

The thyroid regulates energy, mood, and metabolism—so even subtle disruptions can affect overall health and wellness.

Dental and Skeletal Fluorosis

Too much fluoride can actually damage teeth and bones. Dental fluorosis, a condition caused by overexposure to fluoride during childhood, results in white spots, discoloration, or pitting on the teeth. Skeletal fluorosis, although rarer, involves bone weakening and joint pain, and is a concern in areas with heavily fluoridated water supplies.

Interestingly, studies have shown that cities with added fluoride in their drinking water have equal or higher levels of dental cavities than cities without fluoridated water.

The added fluoride did not reduce the number of cavities for those populations. Unfortunately, the body accumulates this toxin and absorbs up to 50% of each exposure in its tissues.

The Benefits of Going Fluoride-Free

Avoid Toxic Buildup

By choosing fluoride-free toothpaste and filtering your drinking water, you reduce the risk of long-term fluoride accumulation in your body, especially if you live in an area with fluoridated water or consume a lot of processed foods made with tap water. 

A quality water filter is essential and most do not filter fluoride since it is difficult for most to do.

Protect Sensitive Individuals

People with thyroid conditions, kidney issues, chemical sensitivities, and children may be more vulnerable to fluoride’s effects. Going fluoride-free is a simple step toward minimizing unnecessary exposure.

Natural Oral Health Support

The same fluoride most people brush their teeth with daily, is extremely toxic and some cities have added it to your drinking water. My children do not use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and their teeth are very healthy.

Fluoride-free toothpastes often contain natural ingredients like xylitol, or herbal extracts that promote oral health without synthetic additives. These options can help reduce plaque, strengthen enamel, and freshen breath—without the risks associated with fluoride.

One brand of xylitol toothpaste, Dr. Branam’s Xylitol, shown in studies to be 72% more effective than fluoride in fighting cavities. 

Environmental Benefits

Fluoride runoff from industrial and agricultural sources can accumulate in soil and waterways, affecting wildlife. Opting out of fluoride can also be a conscious choice for the planet.

How to Make the Switch to Fluoride-Free

• Choose a trusted fluoride-free toothpaste with natural remineralizing agents like hydroxyapatite or calcium phosphate.

• Install a water filtration system that removes fluoride, such as reverse osmosis or activated alumina filters.

• Check labels on mouthwash, supplements, and processed foods to avoid hidden fluoride exposure.

• Speak with a holistic or integrative dentist who supports fluoride-free oral health strategies.

Emerging research calls into question the safety of chronic, widespread exposure to fluoride—especially during early development. Choosing to go fluoride-free is a personal decision, but one that can be grounded in science and a commitment to long-term health.

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