Why is fluoride added to water? Fluoride is added to water in an attempt to prevent tooth decay.
(Return to top) Is fluoridated water necessary for healthy teeth? NO. Most recent, large-scale studies have found that fluoridated water provides only a minor benefit to teeth, or no demonstrable benefit at all. According to a recent Canadian government review: “The magnitude of fluoridation’s effect is not large in absolute terms, is often not statistically significant and may not be of clinical significance.” Moreover, according to the National Academy of Sciences, fluoride is not an essential nutrient. This means that no human disease – including tooth decay – will result from a “deficiency” of fluoride. Thus, unlike real nutrients like calcium and magnesium, the human body does not need fluoride for any physiological process. (Return to top) What makes fluoride different from other chemicals added to water? In contrast to other chemicals added to water, fluoride does not treat the water, or make the water safer to drink.
