[jebby]

Fluoride is good for your teeth. Not sure what you're talking about, but it's scientifically inaccurate. Also, fluorosis is a cosmetic issue, it doesn't weaken your teeth. And it happens when you're growing your permanent teeth when your parents forget to teach you to not swallow your toothpaste. It wouldn't affect you now.

If your water is over-fluorinated, you have far bigger problems that stem from your local government.

[Retric]

You’re wrong on both counts. The geology of many areas cause excess fluoride in well water without any government intervention, which can then become worse when using fluorinated toothpaste. It’s rarely a significant issue in the US, but gets far in some countries.

“These sources include drinking water with fluoride, fluoride toothpaste—especially if swallowed by young children” Ie: swallowing makes it worse but the point of fluoride in toothpaste is to be absorbed, so some will get absolutely even in those who already have issues.

https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/dental_fluorosis/index....

[mb7733]

Seems to be a cosmetic issue only?

[Auracle]

Some studies have shown it (high fluoride, and possibly too low of fluoride too) affecting IQ.

It’s a shame if you mention anything about possible negative effects of fluoride you get lumped in with the crazies.

[jajko]

Yeah rat poison can't harm humans regardless of form, concentration, age or literally any possible factor. Trust us with lives of your kids, we say so.

(just to be clear I am a rational science freak, but my kids have higher priority and we know scientists and corporations have messed up more than once, not going into 'just trust us' with literal poison just because it has good side effects on teeth)

[Retric]

> cosmetic issue only?

Only at low levels: “Moderate and severe forms of dental fluorosis, which are far less common, cause more extensive enamel changes. In the rare, severe form, pits may form in the teeth.”

[tredre3]

> And it happens when you're growing your permanent teeth when your parents forget to teach you

He said it happened as he grew up. Wikipedia says almost half of Americans have at least mild fluorisis, there's no need to blame the parents when an environmental/governmental cause is so readily established...

> Also, fluorosis is a cosmetic issue

That's what I thought too but Wikipedia also disagrees on this count:

The pits, bands, and loss of areas of enamel seen in severe fluorosis are the result of damage to the severely hypomineralized, brittle and fragile enamel which occurs after they erupt into the mouth.

[yarg]

Fluorosis is not a cosmetic issue - it can be severe enough that it impacts the strength of the skeleton.

Even if that was not the case, you'd need to prove that it's better than hydroxyapatite when applied topically, which (assuming effective) delivery will obviously not be the case.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3295994/

[jyxent]

Anybody who lives in a rural area with a well could have higher levels of natural occuring fluoride in their water too.

[Auracle]

You could, though at least when I bought my house a well test was required.

[therealdrag0]

Not everyone has such regulation. There’s a problem with fluoride toxicity in India for example.