Water fluoridation has been in place in the United States for over 70 years, and has been key in fighting against cavities. However, in light of the recent Presidential election, water fluoridation may soon stop. Experts are warning that this could create a range of oral health problems.
Water fluoridation, which involves adding fluoride to the public water supply, has been in operation in the United States since the 1950s.
This practice has been praised for seemingly contributing towards improved oral health for Americans, with fluoride being a key cavity-fighting mineral for our teeth.
However, this may soon change in the United States, with the recent Presidential election leading to potential changes in healthcare policies [1].
This has led to concern over the possibility of water fluoridation programs being stopped entirely across the nation, which could negatively affect oral health.
Water Fluoridation in the United States
Water fluoridation refers to the process where a small amount of the natural mineral fluoride is added to the public water supply. Around two-thirds of Americans have live in areas with fluoridated water. However, this could soon change.
President-elect Donald Trump has been crafting his administration since his landslide election victory two weeks ago. Most of Trump’s appointees have caused few headlines.
However, his announcement that he plans on appointing Robert F Kennedy Jr as the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services has led to significant concern [1].
Kennedy is known for his scepticism of vaccines, dislike of food additives, support for healthy living, and criticism of pharmaceutical companies [2].
Moreover, Kennedy is opposed to the practice of water fluoridation. Kennedy said on the social media platform X that he plans on advising all US water systems to remove fluoride from public water [2].
While Kennedy doesn’t have the power to command all 50 states to follow his recommendations, it is likely that many states will agree.
Moreover, it seems that the nation is already moving towards a non-fluoridated water approach. In 2015, the federal government recommended that all 50 states reduce the level of fluoride in the public water supply to a lower, more optimum, level [2].
Why is there opposition to water fluoridation?
As discussed, Kennedy and many others oppose water fluoridation. There are various reasons for this belief.
Kennedy has claimed that fluoride is linked to arthritis, bone fractures, cancer and IQ loss, among other conditions and ailments [1].
This belief has been questioned by some. However, one large study found that high levels of fluoride in the public water supply is linked to a reduction in IQ of up to five points in children [3].
Similarly, another study found that pregnant women exposed to high fluoride levels doubles the chances of their child having behavioral problems, such as temper problems or anxiety [4].
Others have suggested that there is simply no need for water fluoridation any more, as we already have enough fluoride through toothpaste and other dental products. Moreover, fluoride is often found in some foods and beverages [1].
Therefore, some are suggesting we are getting too much fluoride. One risk of having too much fluoride is a condition called fluorosis – which darkens or discolors teeth [1]. When left untreated, it can make a tooth more vulnerable to tooth decay.
In fact, it was a rise in cases of fluorosis in children that led to the aforementioned recommendation in 2015 to reduce the level of fluoride in the public water supply [1].
The harm of no water fluoridation
The American Dental Association has supported water fluoridation for decades. They have pointed out that fluoride helps to repair and prevent the damage caused by acid in the mouth [1].
In fact, water fluoridation has been hailed as “one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century”, and credited with significant improvements in oral health [1].
Existing research shows clear benefits to water fluoridation, especially in children. One study compared the dental health of children in the Canadian cities of Calgary and Edmonton. They noted that Calgary stopped water fluoridation in 2011, whilst Edmonton continued the practice. The study found that since 2011, tooth decay in Calgary has increased significantly when compared to Edmonton [5].
Additionally, in the city of Windsor, Ontario, water fluoridation was stopped in 2013. There was a 51% increase in children requiring urgent healthcare for oral health reasons from 2013 to 2018, which led to fluoride being reintroduced to the public water supply [6].
In response to Kennedy’s assertions that fluoride causes conditions like cancer and arthritis – there is very little scientific evidence to support this.
With the study that found children exposed to high amounts of fluoride had a lower IQ – this was only for those over-exposed to fluoride. Those receiving water with the recommended level of fluoride were not affected.
Phil Brown is the director of the Social Science Environment Health Research Institute. He has said that rather than eliminating fluoride from drinking water, that the focus should be on monitoring the levels of fluoride nationwide [1].
Furthermore, oral health affects physical health. Therefore, as fluoride boosts our oral health, it is actually contributing towards our overall health and wellbeing too. With this in mind, water fluoridation also positively affects our overall health.
Summary
Water fluoridation continues to be a divisive topic. Some believe it is very helpful, while others oppose its use.
There are certainly a range of benefits to water fluoridation. Most dental organizations are trying to ensure that water fluoridation remains in use.
If it is removed, then we will need to wait and see what impact it has on oral health. For many, this is considered a very risky decision.
Thinking points…
[1] Remember that even if you live in an area with fluoridated water, relying on this isn’t enough! Ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Also, attending regular dental check-ups is very important and highly advisable. We recommend booking an appointment soon!
[2] Whether or not your water is fluoridated or not, remember it is very important to drink it! Water can help to neutralize acid levels in your mouth, stimulates the flow of saliva, and above all – is healthy! Try to avoid soft drinks and juices. By making small changes, your oral health can improve!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Mello-Klein, C. (2024). Eliminating fluoride in water would create health problems beyond oral health, experts say. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-fluoride-health-problems-oral-experts.html. Last accessed: 16th November 2024.
[2] McCausland, P. (2024). What RFK Jr could do on US vaccines, fluoride and drugs. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gx3kkz8z3o. Last accessed: 16th November 2024.
[3] National Toxicology Program. (2024). Fluoride Exposure: Neurodevelopment and Cognition. Available: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/fluoride. Last accessed: 16th November 2024.
[4] Malin, A. J., Eckle, S. P., Hu, H., et al. (2024). Maternal Urinary Fluoride and Child Neurobehavior at Age 36 Months. JAMA Network Open. 7 (5): e2411987. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11987.
[5] McLaren, L., Patterson, S. K., Faris, P., Chen, G., Thawer, S., Figueiredo, R., Weijs, C., McNeil, D., Waye, A., & Potestio, M. (2021). Fluoridation cessation and children’s dental caries: A 7-year follow-up evaluation of Grade 2 schoolchildren in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 50 (5): p391-403. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12685.
[6] CBC News. (2018). Windsor to put fluoride back into the water after council vote. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-council-water-fluoride-1.4947723. Last accessed: 16th November 2024.
