Could Cutting Fluoride from Water Harm Your Ears as Well as Teeth?
A woman dealing with hearing loss and tinnitus
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Fluoride in our public water supply is hailed as one of the top ten greatest health achievements of the 20th century by health experts. Alongside milestones like vaccinations and enhanced vehicle safety features, fluoride’s contribution stands tall. Its introduction has played a monumental role in slashing dental cavities in both adults and children alike.
Extensive studies, particularly in economically challenged communities, reveal that the addition of fluoride to public water supplies has reduced dental disease by over 25%. For many without regular dental check-ups or affordable toothpaste, fluoride in drinking water has been a game changer. Without it, we’ve observed a troubling rise in poor dental health in these populations.
Fluoride-rich tap water: a simple solution for better dental health
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Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been carefully added to our drinking water for over 70 years, yielding remarkable results. Not too long ago, dental decay was rampant among older adults, often leading to dentures by their late 70s or 80s. But thanks to fluoride, we’ve turned the tide!
As the 20th century progressed, bottled water surged in popularity, especially among families. Unfortunately, many of these trendy bottled options lacked fluoride, resulting in a concerning spike in cavities among kids who favored bottled over tap water. In response, some brands began adding fluoride to their products, recognizing its importance.
Children relying on bottled water might miss out on fluoride benefits
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While fluoride toothpaste for children aged two and up is beneficial, not every child has consistent access to it or the habit of regular brushing. This is where fluoridated water proves crucial—it significantly reduces dental diseases. Recently, the incoming U.S. Health Secretary raised concerns questioning the benefits of fluoride, suggesting potential cancer risks associated with fluoridated water. However, multiple respected organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have found no direct link between fluoride exposure and cancer, especially at the levels present in our drinking water.
Interestingly, fluoride also offers benefits for those dealing with a condition known as otosclerosis. This condition affects the tiny bones in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss. As sound transmission becomes impaired, many adults, typically after age 25, face challenges hearing clearly. Treatment options range from monitoring to hearing aids, or even surgery.
The malleus, incus, and stapes bones work to conduct sound from the eardrum to the auditory nerve. (Photo Source)
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Research indicates that individuals with otosclerosis living in areas with non-fluoridated water face a steeper decline in hearing compared to those in fluoridated areas. While hearing loss may only affect a small population—around 3 million adults in the U.S.—the evidence highlights yet another compelling reason to support fluoride in our drinking water.
