[/caption]GHN News Editor - New studies show that the level of fluoride in the
water and other sources is more than the optimal levels. The Department
of Health and Human Services is indicating adjustments because this can
create serious problems for children.
The American Dental
Association (ADA) oday commended the Federal agencies responsible for
public health and safety for recalibrating the ratio of fluoride to
water that they consider optimal based on scientific evaluation and the
full appreciation of fluoride received from all sources.
As a
science-based organization, the ADA supports the Department of Health
and Human Services' recommendation to set the level for optimally
fluoridated water at 0.7 parts per million. This adjustment will
provide an effective level of fluoride to reduce the incidence of tooth
decay while minimizing the rate of fluorosis in the general population.
"This
is a superb example of a government agency fulfilling its mission to
protect and enhance the health of the American people," said ADA
President Dr. Raymond F. Gist, DDS. "We
have always looked to the federal health agencies to guide us on this
and other public health matters, and we will continue to do so. We
applaud the Department of Health and Human Services for reaffirming the
safety and efficacy of optimal community water fluoridation, with
science on their side."
The Association does not oppose
fluoridation but does urge communities that already are doing so to
continue fluoridating water at the levels the government recommends as
safe and optimal.
"Dentistry has succeeded in
preventing disease better than any other area of health care," said Dr.
Gist. "Water fluoridation is one of our most potent weapons in disease
prevention, and we want as many people as possible to have the benefits
of this simple, safe, inexpensive and proven health care measure.
"The
ADA has long advocated for all Americans to have the best possible oral
health. The recommended level has been set at the lower optimal limit,
but the health benefits of fluoridation remain. The only real, known
health risk is the dramatic increased levels of disease that are likely
to afflict people without access to optimally fluoridated water."
