Fluoride & Hair Loss

Many people see their thinning hair as a sign of aging, but the truth is hair loss comes from many sources. Environmental factors and chemicals may also have a role in hair loss. Fluoride is an ion of fluorine, a chemical element of the halogen group. Many communities introduce fluoride into the water systems as a way to help prevent cavities and increase oral health. Too much fluoride, or fluoride poisoning, may be one reason a person suffers from hair loss, though definitive medical studies are lacking in this area.

Hair Loss

Hair loss often comes in stages. It may begin as a few strands that go down the drain when you wash your hair or as loose hairs that stick to a comb. According to MayoClinic.com, it is normal to lose some hair on a daily basis 3. In fact, most individuals will shed up to 100 hairs a day.

Long-term hair loss occurs when there is disruption in the growth cycle. This disruption may be because of genetics, medications, illnesses or possibly environmental factors.

Fluoride

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Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in food, water and soil. It is also an essential trace element for the body. Communities add supplemental fluoride to water supplies to help prevent tooth decay.The continued use of fluoride supplementation in drinking water is somewhat controversial. There have been some questions about its safety and effectiveness. One issue might be the concern over fluoride poisoning, although this is rare. One 2010 study by Zheng-hui Wang and colleagues from the Second Hospital in China shows there may be a correlation between hair follicle damage and fluoride. The exact way the excess fluoride effects the hair follicle is unclear, but damage will result in hair loss. **According to Medical News Today, some scientists and interest groups have shown concern about the continued application of fluoride to the water systems, deeming the application unnecessary and less useful than previously thought 1.

Fluoride Poisoning

A case study article for the University of Western Ontario website discusses fluorosis, a condition where fluoride levels become toxic. There is concern that fluoride supplements introduced into groundwater have become part of other ecosystems. For instance, grass absorbs fluoride from groundwater and cows ingest the grass. This may introduce additional fluoride into beef products.

Proponents of this theory associate some illnesses with excess fluoride 2. Included on this list are asthma, learning disorders, autism, breast cancer and eczema. Medical science has not proven or disproven this theory. Fluoride poisoning is not common and does not occur to everyone.

Theories/Speculation

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The overexposure of humans and animals to the element fluoride is unproven. An increase in diagnoses of some conditions, such as autism, might be attributed to advancement in science. The benefits of fluoride are proven, however, and there is little doubt that fluoride improves dental health and reduces incidence of tooth loss because of cavities.

More studies are needed before the medical community can state that exposure to fluoride is a fundamental cause of hair loss 1. Although the 2010 study from Zheng-hui Wang, published in "Biological Trace Element Research," does show a possible connection to follicle damage that results in hair loss, more studies will be necessary to prove the theory. Pattern baldness is a hereditary trait that travels through generations of families and may have nothing to do with fluoride use.

Considerations

Oral health is important part of having teeth that last a lifetime. Fluoride is an effective component in combating problems that lead to tooth loss. One symptom that you may have too much fluoride, or be suffering from fluorosis, is discoloring of enamel on teeth.

If you notice your teeth developing a brownish tint, talk to your dentist about the use of fluoride. Excessive fluoride may also lead to a weakening of the bones and joint stiffness. **Other symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, excessive salivation, watery eyes and a general feeling of fatigue.

** Do not assume if you are feeling ill or begin to lose your hair, that you have been exposed to high levels of fluoride. See your doctor for proper diagnosis.