Flouride is an essential nutrient that plays a major role in your dental and bone health. While it is present in human bodies, it also naturally occurs in the environment. In today's time, it is purposefully being added to drinking water supplies to enhance the health of people. Supporters of fluoridation cite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research that shows that community water fluoridation reduces cavities by around 25%. However, its opponents argue that excess of this mineral has a negative neurological impact. The debate heated up recently when Robert F Kennedy Jr, who was selected to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services, opposed water fluoridation.What Is The CDC Research About?Government scientists published a paper in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics that concluded that there may be a link between high levels of fluoride and lower Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Their research indicated a possible neurodevelopmental harm to pregnant people or young children if they are exposed to drinking water containing at least 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per litre- a level more than twice what's recommended (0.7 mg/L) for the US water supply. It is important to note that in many American states and Western countries, pregnant women and children receive fluoride from many sources, making their exposure to this mineral way too high from the recommended levels.Why Do We Need Fluoride?Fluoride plays an important role in strengthening tooth enamel and is more resistant to cavities. It also reduces the amount of acid produced by bacteria on teeth, which in turn reduces plaque. Interestingly, this mineral also helps reverse early decay and remineralize tooth enamel. Fluoride stimulates new bone formation, thereby, playing a pivotal role in the skeletal system.What Happens If Your Body Does Not Get Enough Floride?It is also important in protecting bones from mineral loss, such as osteoporosis. Important sources of fluoride are drinking water, mouthwash, toothpaste, and supplements. However, daily intake of high amounts of fluoride has been associated with fluorosis, discolouration, and mottling of the teeth during development.What Happens When You Consume Excessive Flouride?Some risks of excessive fluoride exposure include dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, thyroid problems, and neurological problems.Dental Fluorosis: This condition is characterized by hypomineralization of tooth enamel caused by the ingestion of excessive fluoride during enamel formation. A person may see white patches on their teeth. Cosmetic treatment is needed to cure it.Skeletal Fluorosis: Skeletal fluorosis affects your bones and joints. It can cause pain, stiffness and bone deformities.Thyroid Issues: A study conducted by researchers in the UK found a positive association between fluoride concentration in drinking water and the prevalence of hypothyroidism. Another study found that adults living in areas with water fluoride levels above 0.7 mg/L were 1.6 times more likely to have hypothyroidism than those living in areas with lower fluoride levels.Neurological problems: Excess of fluoride can accumulate in your brain, leading to neurotoxicity. It can also cause degenerative changes in the brain and spinal cord.