Fluoride has spread to 46 of the nation's largest 50 cities, and has spread to the U.S, the U.K, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. Fluoride in our drinking water can result in major benefits, such as healthier teeth, and not as many cavities, but some people believe it may be more harmful than it is helpful. Some people are afraid of dental fluorosis. Dentists recommend that you only use the optimal level of fluoride (0.7-1.2 parts per million). Over-usage can lead to the harmful side effects that people who are against fluoride are constantly referring too. Not all of the negative thoughts about fluoride have disappeared though. The Fluoride Action News Network released a statement signed by over 4000 professionals and 1000 individuals trying to end fluoridation. They are currently trying to ban fluoridation for good.
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"Only children aged 8 years and younger can develop dental fluorosis because this is when permanent teeth are developing under the gums." |
Q. Can you give an example of "parts per million" (ppm)?
One drop of fluoride in one million drops, or 50 liters of water. Because there are 3.78 liters in a gallon, one part per million is the same as one drop of a substance in about 13.2 gallons of water.
City of Sunnyville, California after recently adding fluoride to the water and assuring the public this is for their own good
Q. What do health professionals say about fluoride?
Health experts endorse water fluoridation as the single, most effective public health measure to improve oral health. Through more than 50 years of extensive research, drinking fluoridated water has been scientifically proven to be safe and effective. The following organizations endorse water fluoridation as an important public health measure for reducing tooth decay.
The American Dental Association (ADA) endorsed fluoridation in 1950, and reaffirmed its endorsement in 1997.City of Sunnyville, California after recently adding fluoride to the water and assuring the public this is for their own good
- The American Medical Association (AMA) endorsed fluoridation in 1950, and reaffirmed its endorsement in 1996.
- The American Water Works Association (AWWA) endorsed fluoridation in 1976, and reaffirmed its endorsement in 1982.
- The San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Alameda county public health departments have all endorsed the SFPUC water fluoridation program.
- The California Department of Health Services has approved the SFPUC fluoridation program.
Q.How does fluoride protect teeth?
Fluoride benefits both children and adults. Here’s how:
Before teeth break through the gums, the fluoride taken in from foods, beverages and dietary supplements strengthens tooth enamel making it stronger and more resistant to cavities. This provides what is called a “systemic” benefit.
After teeth erupt, fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, or use other fluoride dental products, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth. This is provides what is called a “topical” benefit.
In addition, the fluoride you take in from foods and beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth and helping to rebuild weakened tooth enamel.
American Dental Association
* "Based on data from 2002, approximately 170 million people
(or over two-thirds of the population) in the United States are served by public water systems that are fluoridated."
* “Water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing dental decay by 20-40%, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste.”
* “Fluoride protects teeth in two ways – systemically and topically.”
* "The verdict of the scientific community is that water fluoridation, at recommended levels, safely provides major oral health benefits"
* “John D.B. Featherstone, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Services, University of California San Francisco, noted: ‘...There is irrefutable evidence in numerous studies that fluoride in the drinking water works to reduce dental caries in populations.’”
American Dental Association
"Fluoride protects teeth from decay and cavities in two ways. When bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars, acid is produced that can erode tooth enamel and damage teeth. Fluoride can protect teeth from demineralization that is caused by the acid. If teeth have already been damaged by acid, fluoride accumulates in the demineralized areas and begins strengthening the enamel - a process called remineralization. Fluoride is very useful for preventing cavities and strengthening teeth, but its effectiveness is thwarted if a cavity has already formed."
Medical News Today