Fluoridation rejected in spite of experts declaration of health and cost-saving benefits

Map of states with fluoridation

Many municipalities through the United States, and elsewhere, lack fluoridation that experts tell us could help health and save costs.  Much of the problem has to do with the apprehension people share about fluoridation has to do with fears that the chemical can cause harm, with controversies that have continued for decades.  But what is fluoridation by the numbers and what are those controversies that create barriers against having a health benefit that medical people emphasize is important, especially for children.

The Pew Charitable Trust has examined fluoridation by the numbers and shares with us some of the facts and figures about fluoridation.  They have found that more than 72,000,000 Americans don't have water with fluoridation.  Annually more than 830,000 people go to the emergency hospitals with dental problems, many of which are preventable, dentists maintain.  Furthermore, statistics show that fluoridation could reduce tooth decay by 25%.  It is also estimated that for every $1 spent a state achieves a savings of $38 in dental costs.  An example of how fluoridation can save costs is reflected in the fact that the average treatment of one decayed molar is $6100.

A group that calls itself the Fluoride Action Network offers what it says are 50 reasons to resist having fluoridated water.  These include their concerns that fluoride is a chemical, that it is unethical to add it to the drinking water, the dose cannot be controlled, that it goes to everyone regardless of age or health considerations, that it is not an essential nutrient, and that fluoridation can be had in any number of other ways, including in toothpaste and that the health benefits are in serious doubt.

These barriers continue to pose the question to lawmakers periodically, as occurred in Portland, Oregon recently.  A proposal by the mayor to add fluoride to the drinking water was defeated in a vote of 60% against the proposal and 40% in favor of it.  It was the fourth time Portland has attempted to add fluoridation, and each time the voters were against it.