Fact Check: Can using fluoride toothpaste lower IQ ?

An Instagram post claims that using fluoride toothpaste lowers IQ and causes cellular damage. The claim is Misleading.

Claim

The Instagram post titled "The government payed him to keep silent about this" claims that, "Fluoride toothpaste is recommended but; fluoride is toxic, it can lower your IQ and damage cells."Additionally, the video shared by the user holistic.biohack makes several claims. Among other claims, The post also targets fluoride toothpaste: "Fluoride toothpaste is recommended but; fluoride is toxic, it can lower your IQ and damage cells."

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is Misleading. While excessive fluoride can be toxic, the levels used in toothpaste and fluoridated water are considered safe and effective for preventing tooth decay by reputable organizations like the WHO and ADA. This post mixes valid concerns about excessive fluoride exposure with exaggerated and unsupported assertions about commonly used fluoride levels, creating a false and misleading narrative.

What is Fluoride Toothpaste?

Fluoride has been widely used to prevent tooth decay through various methods such as toothpaste, water, milk, mouth rinses, tooth gels, and varnishes. Regular toothbrushing is advised to maintain oral health and prevent decay, with a general recommendation to brush for 2 minutes twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride concentration in standard or family toothpaste typically ranges from 1000 to 1500 parts per million (ppm), although different concentrations are available globally. While there is no defined minimum fluoride concentration, the maximum allowable level varies by age and country. Higher fluoride concentrations are usually not available over the counter and require a prescription.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that caregivers brush children's teeth with water and consult a dentist or physician before introducing fluoride toothpaste for children under 2 years old. For children aged 2 to 6 years, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is advised.

Health Risks from Excessive Fluoride

Prolonged consumption of excessive fluoride during infancy and childhood, a critical period when teeth are developing, can result in dental fluorosis. This chronic condition typically presents with varying features, ranging from barely noticeable white streaks or spots to more prominent white or brown discolourations on the teeth.

The below table represents the Daily Adequate Intakes (AIs) for Fluoride:

Most toothpaste contains fluoride, typically sodium fluoride or monofluorophosphate, at levels of 1,000 to 1,100 mg/L (approximately 1.3 mg per typical brushing amount). Daily fluoride intake from toothpaste is estimated at 0.1–0.25 mg for children under 5 years, 0.2–0.3 mg for children aged 6–12 years, and 0.1 mg for adults. Fluoride in toothpaste is effectively absorbed regardless of its form.

Excessive fluoride exposure, often from rare incidents such as overly fluoridated water, accidental ingestion of fluoride products meant for topical dental use, or improper administration of fluoride supplements to children, can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, periostitis, and, in very rare cases, death. It is estimated that an acute dose of 5 mg/kg (e.g., 375 mg for a 75 kg or 165-pound individual) could cause serious systemic toxicity.

Understanding IQ (Intelligence Quotient)

Intelligence refers to the capacity to think logically, learn efficiently, comprehend complex concepts, and adapt to one's surroundings. It is best understood as a general ability that impacts performance across a variety of cognitive tasks. IQ, or intelligence quotient, measures an individual's intelligence in comparison to peers of the same age. Among psychological traits, IQ is highly heritable, and modern IQ test scores serve as reliable predictors of various life outcomes, such as academic and career achievements, health, lifespan, and even overall happiness.

Cellular damage

Cellular damage refers to harm caused to cells due to external influences or internal malfunctions, manifesting in multiple forms. This damage can arise from a wide range of factors, including environmental, chemical, and biophysical stimuli. Cells adapt to injuries by activating responses that help restore balance and protect against further damage. Instead of increasing the overall amount of gene activity, cells focus on changing the pattern of gene activity, prioritizing "important" genes. These responses to cell injury are grouped into four main types: the ischaemic or lack of oxygen response, the oxidative stress response, the heat shock response, and the acute phase response.

Can using fluoride toothpaste lowers IQ and causes cellular damage?

Studies have noted that excessive fluoride intake can result in conditions such as dental fluorosis, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, periostitis, and, in extremely rare cases, death, these outcomes are linked to excessive fluoride exposure. Such exposure typically arises from rare events like overly fluoridated water, accidental ingestion of fluoride products intended for dental use, or improper use of fluoride supplements in children.

Several studies have examined the effects of chronic fluoride exposure on tissues showing that it can contribute to cellular damage. One such study featured in Molecular Biology Reports suggests that high and chronic exposure to fluoride causes cellular apoptosis that is cell damage.

Research has explored the effects of excessive fluoride on children's intelligence. A study published in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice concludes that children in endemic areas of fluorosis are at risk for impaired development of intelligence. Although this study doesn't mention anything about the impact of fluoride toothpaste on children's intelligence or IQ, it does relate it to child's intelligence.

Having said that, Fluoride levels in toothpaste are insufficient to cause excessive fluoride ingestion, as daily intake from toothpaste is estimated at 0.1–0.25 mg for children under 5 years, 0.2–0.3 mg for children aged 6–12 years, and 0.1 mg for adults—levels well below the daily adequate intake of fluoride. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support claims that the fluoride toothpaste, which contain standardly safe amounts of fluoride, can lead to lower IQ or cellular damage.

Also, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that caregivers brush children's teeth with water and consult a dentist or physician before introducing fluoride toothpaste for children under 2 years old. For children aged 2 to 6 years, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is advised.

All these studies highlight the effects of excessive or chronic fluoride exposure on intelligence quotient (IQ) and cellular damage. However, no studies have been found indicating that fluoride toothpaste causes cellular damage or lowers IQ. Additionally, there is no consensus within the dental community supporting the claim that fluoride toothpaste leads to a reduction in IQ. Fluoride in toothpaste has scientifically documented several benefits including inhibition and reversal of the initiation and progression of dental caries (tooth decay) and stimulates new bone formation 

Dr Meenakshi Sahu, Senior Associate Dentist, at Vyas Dental Inn, Raipur(C.G), told Medical Dialogues, "Fluoride toothpaste is a trusted and safe way to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Its fluoride levels are carefully controlled, making it safe for daily use without causing harm. When used correctly—such as a pea-sized amount for children and proper brushing—it supports healthy teeth without risks. Fluoride toothpaste remains a key part of maintaining good oral hygiene."

Dr Ritu Thawait, Dental Surgeon, Medical Officer, CHC, Risali, Durg, C.G added, "Using fluoride toothpaste is recommended as it helps protect teeth from cavities. However, it should be used cautiously in small children less than 2 years and as directed by your dentist. When used appropriately, fluoride toothpaste prevents excessive fluoride exposure and poses no harm when following the recommended dosage."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

While excessive or chronic fluoride exposure has been associated with adverse effects such as dental fluorosis, cellular damage, and potential impacts on intelligence, these outcomes stem from high fluoride levels due to rare incidents like over-fluoridation of water or misuse of fluoride-containing products. Fluoride toothpaste, with its regulated fluoride content, is safe when used as directed. Current scientific evidence and dental consensus do not support claims that fluoride toothpaste causes cellular damage or lowers IQ. Hence the claim, that fluoride content in toothpaste can lead to lower IQ or cellular damage is Misleading.