Fluoride is NOT a nutrient

Nutrients are molecules in food, or any nourishing substance, required by organisms to create energy, grow, develop, and reproduce. Fluoride is not necessary for any biological, metabolic or cellular function, in human beings or animals. There are no diseases associated with a lack of fluoride. Calling fluoride a nutrient is unscientific and false. For the development of healthy gums and strong teeth, vitamins A, D, B3, B12 and C, calcium, phosphorous and iron are necessary. These are nutrients and minerals proven essential in the formation of healthy teeth and gums. Not fluoride. Thus, one can have good teeth and gums in the absence of fluoride.

A few excerpts from reliable scientific literature:

“Safe, responsible, and sustainable use of fluorides is dependent on decision makers (whether they be politicians or parents) having a firm grasp on three key principles: (i) fluorine is not so much ‘essential’ as it is ‘everywhere,’ (ii) recent human activities have significantly increased fluorine exposures to the biosphere, and (iii) fluorine has biogeochemical effects beyond bones and teeth.”
SOURCE: Finkelman RB, et al. 2011. Medical geology issues in North America in O. Selinus, et al. (eds). Medical Geology. Springer Publishing.”

 “Fluoride is not essential for human growth and development.”
SOURCE:  European Commission. 2011. Critical review of any new evidence on the hazard profile, health effects, and human exposure to fluoride and the fluoridating agents of drinking water. Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER), page 4.” 

 “Fluoride is not in any natural human metabolic pathway.”
SOURCE: Cheng KK, et al. 2007. Adding fluoride to water supplies. British Medical Journal 335:699-702.”