The Harvard news release notes that virtually all of the studies that went into the meta-analysis were from China, which raises a big red flag (the problem of publication bias in Chinese research is well-documented).
For instance:
*"Zhenglun Pan et al. in “Local Literature Bias in Genetic Epidemiology: An Empirical Evaluation of the Chinese Literature” have this to say:
Chinese studies typically suggest much stronger genetic effects than non-Chinese studies, and this may be even more prominent for the few studies that reach PubMed. Although Chinese studies are smaller than non-Chinese studies and thus even more underpowered, surprisingly half of them reach formal statistical significance for the evaluated gene-disease association. This exaggeration is seen across very diverse topics."*
Straight answer, though it is a multi-part answer:
Tooth enamel is a thin layer of hard material on the exterior of our teeth which protects our teeth from decay.
Tooth enamel doesn’t grow back when worn down, micro-pitted, or fractured.
Fluoride chemically combines with enamel to form a significantly harder outer layer.
Since even that wears away, however, frequent re-fluoridation is required.
If you eat healthy, exercise regularly, and faithfully stay away from all sweets and soft drinks, while brushing your teeth immediately after each and every meal, you can probably achieve similar results as the average person who regularly brushes with a fluoride toothpaste.
But why not do both? Brushing with fluoride won’t harm you. Swallowing, however, is a different story. But toothpaste is stannus fluoride, which is somewhat different than the fluoride you’re getting from plants.
Yes, plants. Virtually all plants contain… GASP! fluoride. Black tea is quite high in it. Processed beverages and foods contain high amounts, as well. Using teflon pans nearly doubles your exposure. And mechanically deboned meats, especially chicken, contain high amounts, as well. Source.
Even if you eradicate all man-made sources, however, you’re still getting at least some fluoride in your food. Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables contain the least, but seafood contains a good bit more, as does tea.
The good news is that in the doses found from purely natural sources, it’s not a bad thing, even if you’re ingesting it. Actually good for both teeth and bone. It’s the excessive amounts from man-made crap that are harmful.
Please make available your detailed medical and psychological records for the periods before and after your switch from fluoride so we can determine for ourselves.
I know this is an old thread, but this should be addressed. I have a friend, age 50, who followed the exact same logic as you, and who also eats a seafood-heavy diet. She now has a goiter.
Unless you are eating ocean fish every day, or kelp every day, or large amounts of dairy every day, you may not be getting enough iodine. It is possible to get enough iodine without iodized salt, but it is risky to count on that. Good article on the forgotten dangers of iodine deficiency.