Safety inspection: Fluoride

We dig into the facts of this controversial chemical.

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In a nutshell This past weekend, a friend and I got to talking about fluoride. As former hippie kids, we both grew up believing that fluoride was suspect. And to this, we have family members who (along with many people around the world) are convinced this naturally occurring chemical does more harm than good. So today, we take the fluoride fears head-on as we try to sort fact from fiction. Here's what else we've got in store: • Signs of an unhealthy emotional attachment • Heart attacks and extreme heat: A deadly combo • Make your bubbly water at home • 8 healthy drinks rich in electrolytes Stay sharp, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Ginger Wojcik August 16, 2023 • 4 min read

what's got us buzzing You don't need to be afraid of fluoride So what is fluoride, anyway? Fluoride is the negative ion of the element fluorine. It's a naturally occurring compound that's found in trace amounts across the natural world. Why are people upset about fluoride? Ever since the United States started adding low concentrations of fluoride to its water supply in the 1940s, the chemical has been shrouded in controversy. Many people falsely believe that fluoride contributes to conditions including cancer, impaired brain development, and Alzheimer's disease. Some also think that dental health should be up to the individual to manage rather than the state. Are any of these claims legit? In a word, no. There are decades of peer-reviewed research showing that when used and consumed in appropriate amounts, fluoride doesn't cause health effects. And at concentrations between 0.5–1.0 milligrams (mg) per liter, fluoride has proven benefits, including strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. Is there anything else we should know? Don't swallow toothpaste containing fluoride, as it contains a higher concentration than water. Prolonged exposure to fluoride can cause fluorosis of bones and teeth. Mild fluorosis is common and may appear as white spots on teeth. Fluoride has been found to be toxic at levels over 4 mg per liter, but water with a concentration this high is extremely rare. More on fluoride: Can fluoride help prevent or treat osteoporosis? Should you be worried about fluoride toothpaste? Debunking the myth of tooth worms and other cavity causes

great finds Editor faves with health perks       Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water and Soda Maker When I need a mid-workday moral boost and I'm all topped out on caffeine, popping a bubbly water can often do the trick. But I don't love seeing my recycling bin full of empty La Croix cans, which is where this sparkling water maker from Drinkmate comes in. The OmniFizz gives you the gift of bubbles, without the guilt of waste. And you can use it with any type of drink, not just water. Shop now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.

say what   An expert weighs in Q: Is Himalayan sea salt better for you than table salt? A: It's got some nice flavor, pretty color, and using larger salt crystals like sea salt or Himalayan salt can help you cut down on the actual sodium you use; if you're measuring out a teaspoon, you use less (bigger crystals take up more space than finer salt particles), but it's not magical. – Lisa Valente, RD, MS, Medical Integrity Manager at Healthline

Wednesday Kick Start TikTok Takedown: No, you don't need to add salt to your drinking water What's the trend this time? People are adding a pinch of sea salt to their water bottles — just enough so that they can't taste it, according to one video. They claim this adds back in important nutrients that have been stripped from our water sources, ultimately helping them hydrate better (and pee less frequently). Is there any truth to it? Well, sort of. Sodium is an essential electrolyte and "key for balancing water in your body," according to Healthline's resident registered dietitian Lisa Valente, MS. But these TikTokers miss a crucial fact: "Most people are getting plenty of sodium in their diet, often more than what is recommended," says Valente. "So while a small pinch of salt in your water likely won't hurt, most people don't need it to hydrate." Will sea salt hydrate you quicker? Actually, no. "There's no difference for hydration between fancy salt and regular salt," says Valente. "There are trace amounts of other minerals and electrolytes in Himalayan sea salt, but not enough to be substantial." Remember that your diet can be an important source of water and electrolytes, too. Case in point: these 19 water-rich foods. More on hydration: • 8 healthy drinks rich in electrolytes • What pH should my drinking water be? • Tasty salt alternatives to slash your sodium intake

health stories you need What we're reading next 🎗️ Should we stop screening women over age 70 for breast cancer? A new study suggests that diagnosing breast cancer later in life might cause more harm than good. 🧲 Signs of an unhealthy emotional attachment. According to attachment theory, certain habits and beliefs may signal an "insecure" attachment style. Here's what that means. 🫀 Why you're at higher risk of a fatal heart attack during extreme heat. Plus, simple steps you can take to cut your risk. 🛏 When it comes to sleep, perception is everything. How well you think you slept may matter more for your mood than how well you actually slept.

Thanks for reading, folks! Got feedback for us? Just want to say hi? Get in touch at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!)

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