Since water supply fluoridation began in the 1950s, there has been a small but loud minority claiming that water fluoridation is harmful to human health. Currently the internet is inundated with anti-fluoridation websites claiming that fluoridation causes everything from kidney disease to emphysema. Do we have reason to be concerned?
The short answer: no. Fluoridation has no serious, adverse health risks. In fact, fluoridation prevents serious oral health problems. Decades of research have proven that fluoride strengthens teeth against decay. Additional studies have shown that fluoride even reverses early dental decay by remineralizing decayed areas.
Fluoride isn’t new to our water but is actually a naturally occurring mineral present in all water sources. Certain cities such as El Paso, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida are naturally fluoridated. Municipal governments only fluoridate water when fluoride levels are low or average. And for most cities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in dental service costs.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention ranks community water fluoridation as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century. Additionally, water fluoridation is supported by the American Dental Association, the World Health Organization and over 100 other national and international health organizations.
While fluoridation opponents may make the front page of the internet, the scientific community overwhelming stands behind water fluoridation. To learn more about water fluoridation contact us today or stop by our office.