February 1, 2024 • 29min

AMA #15: Fluoride Benefits/Risks & Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Huberman Lab

This episode is an Ask Me Anything (AMA) preview from the Huberman Lab Premium channel. Dr. Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, answers listener questions on various scientific topics. The Premium channel was created to support the free weekly podcast and fund human research studies on mental health, physical health, and performance.

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Key Takeaways

Fluoride is added to drinking water to strengthen teeth by creating stronger mineral bonds, but high levels can potentially disrupt thyroid function and be neurotoxic
The CDC recommends 0.7 mg/L of fluoride in drinking water as safe and effective for dental health
Individuals should determine their tap water's fluoride levels and decide whether to filter it based on personal health concerns and budget
Fluoride can create stronger teeth but forms different mineral bonds than those naturally occurring in teeth
Alternative approaches exist to strengthen teeth and improve oral health without fluoride exposure
Oral health is critical for overall health, impacting cardiac, metabolic and neurological health
An upcoming Huberman Lab episode will cover evidence-based, low-cost approaches to optimize oral health

Introduction

This episode is an Ask Me Anything (AMA) preview from the Huberman Lab Premium channel. Dr. Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, answers listener questions on various scientific topics. The Premium channel was created to support the free weekly podcast and fund human research studies on mental health, physical health, and performance.

Topics Discussed

Why Fluoride is Added to Drinking Water (1:46)

Dr. Huberman explains that fluoride was added to drinking water starting in the 1950s as a public health measure to reduce tooth decay and cavities, especially in children. Fluoride creates stronger mineral bonds in teeth than naturally occurring hydroxyapatite, making them more resistant to acid erosion from bacteria.

"Your teeth, believe it or not, are always in a state of either demineralization or remineralization."

Teeth constantly cycle between demineralization and remineralization
Cavities form when bacteria feed on sugars and produce acid that erodes tooth enamel
Fluoride creates stronger mineral bonds in teeth than naturally occurring hydroxyapatite
This makes teeth more resistant to acid erosion and cavity formation

Current Debates on Fluoride in Water (4:01)

Dr. Huberman highlights the ongoing debates and lawsuits regarding fluoride in drinking water:

A lawsuit in California aims to remove fluoride from drinking water due to health concerns
A lawsuit in Buffalo, NY argues for more fluoride in water to improve dental health
These opposing views demonstrate the controversy surrounding fluoride in public water supplies

Potential Health Impacts of Fluoride (12:02)

Dr. Huberman discusses the potential health impacts of fluoride consumption:

The CDC recommends 0.7 mg/L of fluoride in drinking water as safe and effective
High fluoride levels may disrupt thyroid hormone function
Some studies suggest fluoride could be neurotoxic at certain concentrations
The dose makes the poison - effects depend on concentration and amount consumed

"I don't want to cause alarm that the fluoride is causing disruptions to thyroid hormone output or on the receptor end. In other words, disruptions to thyroid hormone metabolism and usage in the body."

Determining Personal Fluoride Exposure (14:03)

Dr. Huberman advises listeners on how to determine their fluoride exposure:

Check local water quality reports or use online tools to find fluoride levels in tap water
Consider total fluoride intake based on water consumption and body weight
Decide whether to filter tap water based on personal health concerns and budget
Various filtration options exist, from simple pitcher filters to whole-house systems

Dr. Huberman's Personal Approach to Fluoride (18:04)

Dr. Huberman shares his personal approach to fluoride exposure:

Filters drinking water but uses unfiltered tap water for cooking
Recently installed a whole-house filter for drinking water taps
Occasionally drinks unfiltered tap water without major concern
Suggests individuals determine their own comfort level with fluoride exposure

Childhood Experience with Fluoride Treatment (22:04)

Dr. Huberman recounts a personal story from childhood demonstrating fluoride's potential toxicity:

As a child, he swallowed fluoride gel during a dental treatment
This led to immediate vomiting due to fluoride's toxicity at high doses
The experience highlights that fluoride can be harmful if consumed in large amounts

"I vomited because fluoride is indeed a poison at high concentrations."

Preview of Upcoming Oral Health Episode (24:04)

Dr. Huberman previews an upcoming episode on oral health:

Will cover evidence-based approaches to strengthen teeth naturally
Discuss ways to potentially reverse early-stage cavities
Explain proper brushing techniques to avoid gum damage
Highlight the importance of oral health for overall health

"Oral health is one of the most important areas of health and it's one of the most overlooked areas of health."

Conclusion

Dr. Huberman concludes by emphasizing the importance of oral health and its connection to overall health. He encourages listeners to tune into the upcoming episode on oral health for practical, evidence-based advice on improving dental hygiene and strengthening teeth, with or without fluoride exposure. The episode highlights the complexity of the fluoride debate and empowers listeners to make informed decisions about their fluoride exposure based on personal health concerns and local water quality.