Water flowing in a glass
Fluoride, because it’s a big deal.
Scientists across the board will tell you that high levels of fluoride are unsafe – but an overwhelming number of scientifically performed studies have shown that the levels of fluoride found in tap water in many parts of the country are not only safe, but in the words of Dr. Athanasios Zavras from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, “Community water fluoridation has been considered like the holy grail in dentistry as one of the most successful public health interventions because it’s so effective.” (4)
In 1901, dentists in the U.S. and Italy began seeing cases of stained teeth, called “mottled enamel,” and found significantly less dental decay within those populations. Decades later, in 1930, a chemist in Arkansas tested local water where this staining was happening – and found that there was significantly more fluoride in that water than was found elsewhere. This finding was repeated in other areas where mottled enamel was happening. In 1936, Dr. H. Trendley Dean concluded that water with concentrations higher than 1.0 ppm were likely to develop this staining – but also lower incidence of tooth decay. In 1942, he published a study of 7,200 children from 21 cities with fluoridated water less than 1.0 ppm who tended to have fewer cavities and less severe decay. Because of some hesitation to rush to fluoridate water, in 1945 a 15-year trial of adding limited amounts of fluoride to water started in four cities. Each city with fluoridated water was paired with a city with much less fluoride in their water. The comparable cities were similar in size and demography. Periodic reviews found that areas with fluoridated water consistently had fewer cavities and less tooth decay. Unfortunately, the control city used in the study withdrew to add fluoride to their water, thereby ending the study. However, the benefit of controlled fluoride had been established. (1, 2)
People have long been concerned about the potential harm of fluoride, and some “studies” support those concerns. However, well-conducted scientific research indicates that the risks primarily emerge when fluoride levels exceed 1.5 milligrams per liter—more than twice the recommended level in the U.S.—which might be linked to lower IQs in children. (3)
So when did this wide-spread antithesis to fluoride in water start? There have been pockets of it since before that study in 1945, but one might be tempted to point to the movie “Dr. Strangelove,” from 1964, n which a character says, “Have you ever heard of a thing called fluoridation? Fluoridation of water? Do you realize that fluoridation is the most monstrously conceived and dangerous Communist plot we have ever had to face?” Please keep in mind that this is just a line in a movie, and there is no evidence that it was, in fact, a Communist plot. (2)
However, current research does suggest that fluoridated toothpaste is enough, and we don’t need to have it added to our water. That does not mean that recommended levels of fluoride in our water are hurting us, it just means that people who buy toothpaste with added fluoride will have equally good results. That might lead one to a discussion about providing for those who cannot afford to provide for themselves, but that’s not what this is about. (2)
Science has consistently proven that appropriately measured amounts of fluoride are beneficial. Reliable sources, like the ADA, the CDC, AAP, AMA, and WHO have found it to be not only safe, but recommended. People who claim otherwise may believe they have some kind of information to the contrary, but fluoride has extensive studies to support its use, and The ADA has stated that their scientists will be happy to conduct more high-quality studies to put minds at rest. (3)
If you’re interested in reading more about how this fallacy of poison has been spread, please start with the Science History source listed below.
Sources:
(4) CBSNews on YouTube