Is putting fluoride in water harmful?

I have been advised to add Fluorine to my water which I access from a well in my house. However, I am worried from stories I have been hearing that fluoride can be harmful to my health. Kindly let me know if Fluoride in my drinking water is harmful to my health or not.

Salamatu (by E Mail)

Fluoride has been regularly added to the public water system supplies of many countries to help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities for the past decades.

According to the CDC or Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the addition of this mineral to drinking water has been found to reduce the risk of tooth decay by up to 25% for both children and adults. Fluoride is a mineral that can naturally be found in your teeth and bones. It’s also found in water, soil, plants, rocks, and even air.

When we talk about the human consumption of fluoride, it is generally in regard to oral health. Dentists like fluoride because it strengthens the enamel of teeth, thus preventing the risk of forming cavities.

The primary benefit of fluoride is that it strengthens tooth enamel. This may seem like a minor detail, but in reality, maintaining healthy teeth and oral health is an important way to also maintain a healthy body. When consumed in safe amounts, fluoride can be highly beneficial to your overall oral health.

The suggested fluoride intake for adults over the age of 18 is a max of 3 milligrams of the mineral per day. Most public water systems in the U.S. contain .7 parts per millions of fluoride. However, if your source of water is from the well, you may decide to add some fluoride to your well water to ensure maximum health benefits for you and your family.

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