28 Jan Ways to Reduce Fluoride Exposure in Prescott
In our last post we discussed some of the common myths about water fluoridation. In this post we will talk about some of the top ways to reduce fluoride exposure in Prescott. As we stated in the last post, topical fluoride is safe and beneficial to the teeth. However, we understand the concerns that come with ingesting fluoride. Ingested systemically, fluoride has been shown to be a neurotoxin. Most of the water in Prescott isn’t fluoridated, but there are other sources of fluoride, particularly in our diets. At Prescott Dentistry, we care about the issues that concern you. We want to provide you with important information to help you make better decisions about your health.
Water
If you are in an area that has fluoridated water or are concerned about family members, there are water filters available that will remove up to 90% of added fluoride. There are three types of filters that can remove fluoride. They are reverse osmosis, deionizers (which use ion-exchange resins), and activated alumina. You can also buy a water distiller, which will remove fluoride. Since this process removes the minerals from the water, you may have to add them back in.
The fluoride content of bottled water depends on the brand. Here is a list of fluoride levels in popular brands. Activated charcoal filters, like Brita and Pur, do not filter out fluoride.
Beverages
Flavored beverages like soda, sports drinks, processed tea drinks, beer, and juice concentrates contain high levels of fluoride. Soda has particularly high levels of fluoride, which is contributing to fluorosis in children. Companies are not required to report these levels so it is very hard to know how much we are ingesting from these drinks. Many vineyards also use fluoride pesticides, so it is best to buy organic grape juice and wine.
Food
When buying fresh food, organic is always best. Non-organic produce is often sprayed with fluoride-containing pesticides. In 2011, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) agreed to phase out sulfuryl fluoride, one of these pesticides. However, a farm bill signed shortly after allows its continued use. As a general rule for shopping for other foods, the more processed a food is, the more fluoride it contains.
Being mindful of what you eat and drink is one of the best ways to reduce fluoride exposure in Prescott. And if you are still concerned about topical fluoride, we do offer a number of holistic alternatives. If you think this might be the right choice for you and your family, be sure to ask us about these options at your next appointment with Prescott Dentistry.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/28/2019) Pixaby