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.

American Dental Association addresses issues on fluoridation innation's water

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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."