[naturegirl7]

Do you let your kids get flouride treatments - why or why not?

My DS is 2 and the ped recommended he start seeing the dentist - they do infant/toddler wellness exams that consist of looking at his teeth, reviewing brushing strategies/positions, and a flouride treatment.

I know that some studies have linked flouride in tap water to an increase in leukemia and other cancers - especially in boys. That it deposits into the bones when taken orally. We don't use tap water at all, not even for cooking - this is just one of the reasons though.

What about treatments to the teeth? I had this growing up, and I don't know if it helped or if I just had good teeth - but I never had any cavities. I do use flouride toothpaste for us, but not for DS as I am afraid he would swallow it....

Any research/links out there on flouride in general, as well as dental treatments?
Thanks!

 

[Mirzam]

I would not permit my children to have any fluoride treatments be they topical or internal. Flouride is one of the most toxic substances we have. It is basically toxic sludge.

http://fluoridealert.org/

http://www.**********/general45/bll.htm

http://www.bolenreport.net/feature_a...article030.htm

 

[arlecchina]

I wouldn't allow it either. we still use flouride toothpaste but seriously considering cutting that out as well. flouride is a cardinogen

 

[Chicharronita]

Nope, no fluoride of any kind for my dd. Cavities and orthodontia problems occur because of bad nutrition (and/or several generations of bad nutrition before a dc was conceived); I would look to improving my kid's nutrition and supplements as the primary treatment for any teeth problems.

I just read a great article about vitamin K2 (MK-4), the kind that occurs in the fat of animals eating nutrient-dense grass. With adequate vitamin A, D, and calcium intake, it transports calcium to where it belongs in the body, like teeth and bones, and out of other areas where it doesn't like arteries.

It's not that easy to get in the diet, and unfortunately is an expensive supplement. However, if my dd had teeth problems, I'd probably get some and give it to her along with high-vitamin cod liver and butter oil.

 

[Alohamelly]

I let my DD get the fluoride treatments. It's the only fluoride she gets (our toothpaste is fluoride free). Based on my research, topical fluoride can be effective and with my family's history of teeth problems, I felt it was for the best that she get them. I would never let her get the drops or ingest any other kind of fluoride (like fluoridated water).

 

[momto l&a]

Here are some facts about fluoride. These are from Alternatives newsletter volume 11, #24

~Fluoride is more toxic than lead
~Its neurotoxic and damages brain development in children
~ Like lead it builds up in the body
~ It lowers IQ
~ Its a carcinogenic
~ Its an endocrine disrupter
~ It causes Iodine deficiency
~ Numerous studies have shown that the number of hip fractures in the elderly are higher among those residing in communities that have fluoridated water.

November 9th 2006 the ADA started advises parents to avoid using fluoridated water when making formula.

Fluoride allows more aluminum to absorbed and cross the blood brain barrier.

Fluoride may even reduce testosterone.

Vitamin C, E and calcium protects and reverses some effects of fluoride.