At the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM), our mission is to support dental professionals in providing safe, science-based care. A core focus of biological dentistry is understanding how everyday exposures, like fluoride, can affect whole-body health.
Fluoride is found in many dental products and is commonly added to public drinking water. While widely promoted for cavity prevention, fluoride is not an essential nutrient. It is, in fact, part of a group of industrial chemicals known to affect brain development in humans.
Growing research has raised concerns about the health impacts of long-term fluoride exposure. A 2006 report by the National Research Council reviewed possible links between fluoride and serious conditions such as bone fractures, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), reproductive issues, and harm to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system.
Despite these risks, artificial water fluoridation remains common in the United States. Since its introduction in 1945, over 66% of Americans now drink fluoridated water. In contrast, many countries in Western Europe have discontinued or avoided the practice entirely, where less than 3% of their populations consume fluoridated water.
In response to rising dental fluorosis cases and concerns about overexposure, the U.S. Public Health Service recently lowered the recommended fluoride level in drinking water to 0.7 milligrams per liter. Still, many in the field of biological dentistry question whether any level is truly safe for all individuals.
A key concern is that fluoride regulation often follows a “one dose fits all” model, which fails to consider factors like age, weight, or existing health conditions that can influence fluoride’s effects.
As dental care professionals, we play a vital role in promoting patient safety. Biological dentistry encourages us to reduce avoidable fluoride exposure wherever possible, whether through safer dental materials, patient education, or rethinking the use of fluoridated water and products. By making informed decisions, we protect not only oral health but also the broader well-being of the patients we serve.
The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) is a network of dentists, physicians, and health professionals committed to promoting biological dentistry. Visit us online to learn how our health practitioners are promoting optimal health through the use of non-toxic dental materials.