Say no to fluoridation

Water fluoridation sounds so reasonable, but Councilor Kinnear’s question (7/30 study session) is on point: since people drink different amounts of water, she asked, how can you get a proper dose – especially, I would add, since fluoride isn’t just a “mineral” but an FDA-classified drug?

Does dose matter? The American Dental Association’s (ADA) website says, “Getting the right amount of fluoride is best—not too much and not too little,” and suggests your practitioner “can help you determine the proper amount…for your child.”

But how? Fluoride in foodstuffs is significant, but content isn’t listed on any food or beverage label.

Peer-reviewed studies found fluoride levels in 332 sodas averaged 0.72 parts per million, just above the recommended 0.7 ppm level for fluoridated water (Stannard, J.G. et al, 1991), and 51% of 43 fruit/fruit juice drinks tested above 0.7 ppm (Heilman JR, et al. 1999).

For non-fluoridated children, dose is taken seriously. According to the ADA’s “evidence-based” supplement schedule, practitioners must evaluate a child’s total fluoride exposure from all sources and assess cavity risk. Prescription fluoride is recommended ONLY for those children at “high caries risk.”

This presents a medical double standard: non-fluoridated kids get normal medical treatment and precaution, with a thorough evaluation and specific prescription dose only if they need it. Fluoridated kids are dosed indiscriminately regardless of need, and U.S. children have the high rates of dental fluorosis to prove it.

Say no to fluoridation.

Lynne Campbell

Sagle