Most of us know that fluoride is one of the most important ingredients in toothpastes. It strengthens the tooth enamel and protects teeth against the harmful effects of bacteria that cause caries. Few people are aware, however, that fluoride is also a component of psychotropic drugs, it is added to rat poison, and in high concentrations can adversely affect health. Here are 5 interesting facts about fluorine.
1. Pregnant women should not use pastes with high concentrations of fluoride
At the beginning, a reminder – oral hygiene during pregnancy is very important, as caries in pregnant women has an unfavorable effect on fetal development, pregnancy and delivery. Ladies expecting the offspring should, however, reach for pastes with a concentration of fluorine ranging from 1000 to 1500 ppm. Products of this type protect the teeth against caries sufficiently and, on the other hand, do not jeopardize the child’s health. The research shows that long-term intake of large amounts of fluoride by pregnant women may result in lowering the birth weight of the newborn, reduction of the head circumference, and even developmental disorders.
2. Fluoride is included in the composition of psychotropic drugs and rat poison
Fluoride is used in many ways – not only for the production of toothpastes or mouthwashes. We find him, among others in the composition of psychotropic drugs, because it has properties that strengthen the action of some psychoactive substances. In high concentration, fluorine is a poison much worse than lead, so it is used for the production of rat poison or insects. During the Second World War, the Nazis sometimes gave fluorine prisoners to the captured prisoners in order to make them mistype and make them submissive.
3. Fluoride is harmful to health in large quantities
Small amounts of fluoride are essential for maintaining the proper condition of the body. Depending on the age and weight of the human being, the acceptable daily dose of fluoride is from 0.7 to 3.8 mg per day. However, taking larger amounts of this substance may result in serious health problems. Researchers say that excess fluoride can cause problems with magnesium absorption, problems with the pancreas, joints, adrenals and thyroid, as well as deformities of the spine and bones. In addition, in children too high amounts of fluoride may induce lower immunity, learning disabilities and chronic fatigue.
4. Fluoride is also found in food
Many people think that fluoride is an artificial substance that is only added to toothpaste. Meanwhile, you can also find it in every day consumed products. The highest amounts of fluoride are found in black tea infusion, rye bread, cheddar cheese, pork ham and cornflakes. The natural source of this element are also yogurts, lettuce, milk, carrots, apples, bananas and tomatoes.
5. In the United States, residents have applied for fluoridation of water to the government
For the first time, water fluoridation was applied in 1950 in the United States. Even before the completion of full medical tests, it was considered the best method to prevent tooth decay. Over time, however, more and more often people started to notice that the action of fluoride was only local and not systemic, while adding it to water caused darkening and temptation of enamel. In 1978, in Pennsylvania, the residents won a lawsuit in which the harmful effects of fluoridation were proved and it was banned by virtue of the verdict.
Picture Credit: stevepb