Fluoridation - US Public Health Service (1952)

Ingesting excessive fluoride can lead to a range of harms, including dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition characterized by white streaks or spots on teeth. Higher levels of fluoride exposure have been linked to skeletal fluorosis, a condition that causes bone pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Additionally, excessive fluoride intake has been associated with impaired cognitive development, lower IQ scores, and an increased risk of osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Furthermore, chronic fluoride ingestion can also weaken bones, leading to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. The American Dental Association recommends limiting fluoride intake to prevent these adverse effects, particularly for children and pregnant women.