Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. I am pursuing his promise to order the CDC from stopping to recommend that American communities add fluorine to their drinking water.
The debate on the benefits and possible dangers of fluoride continues to arouse controversy, with Kennedy – an open critic – announcing this week that he is gathering a work force to reach the end of the matter.
With oral health closely linked to our general well -being, shares could not be higher. The post was advised with two experts to break where science stands in fluoride. Here’s all you need to know.
Why is fluoride put in our water?
Fluorine is a mineral that occurs naturally found in soil, water, plants and even many foods.
The practice of adding fluoride to the SH.BA of drinking water began in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945 as an attempt to reduce tooth decay. After 10 years, local dentists reported a 60% jaw decrease in cavities among children.
Ahead to date: about one -third of the American community water systems serve more than 60% of the population with fluoridated water, according to the CDC. In some areas, fluoride naturally occurs at quite high levels to fight the cavities.
State and local governments currently decide whether to fluoride the water. Last year, however, a Judge in California ordered EPA to strengthen the water fluoride regulations across the country.
What are the benefits of fluorine in the water?
The CDC has welcomed the addition of fluorine in drinking water as one of the largest public health triumphs of the last century.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay in two ways, according to Dr. Scott Schwartz, a pediatric dentist and elected believer of the trusted board of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, which supports community water fluoridation.
“First, fluoride helps in reminalizing or strengthening the teeth that may have teeth break. In fact, the teeth are stronger after the fluoride is included than they are natural,” Schwartz said.
“In addition, fluoride helps kill the bacteria that cause cavities,” he noted.
Teeth decay, or cavities, is a common and preventable chronic disease. According to the CDC, drinking fluoridated water can reduce your risk by about 25% in both children and adults.
“The prevention of cavities decreases on the teeth, reduces the need for visits and filling of dentists and keeps children at school and parents working,” said Dr. Donald Chi, a pediatric dentist and associate dean for research at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.
“Water fluoridation is even more important for individuals from low -income communities because it can be their only source,” he added.
And the benefits are not just for the teeth – it’s a victory for wallets as well. Fluoridized water communities save an average of $ 32 per person each year avoiding the cost of cavity treatment, according to CDC.
Are there risks associated with consuming too much fluoride?
Kennedy has criticized the fluorine, calling it “industrial waste” and arguing that adding it to drinking water can damage the development of the brain, bone health and cause other issues.
“Like everything, very good is a bad thing,” Schwartz said. “For example, chlorine is added to both community water supplies and pools to kill germs and improve safety – the change in what is essential.”
Drinking water should not contain more than two milligrams per liter of fluoride, according to EPA. If levels exceed this amount, water systems are required to warn customers.
When it is over four milligrams per liter or higher, the CDC suggests the use of a “filter that removes fluorine from water”. Long -term, that fluorine level can lead to skeletal fluorosis, causing risks of the weakest bones in the elderly, the stiffness of the joints and more.
Schwartz described two main concerns he often hears from the public about fluorine in drinking water.
“The latest concerns include the role of fluorine as a neurotoxin, specifically a decrease in IQ results and calcification of the pineal gland,” he said.
A report by August from the National Federal Program of Toxicology, after reviewing the fluorine research, concluded with “moderate faith” that higher fluoride levels are related to lower IQ children.
However, the American Association of Dentistry withdrew, arguing that the studies on which the report was based were flawed because they mainly focused on countries with much higher fluorine levels than those considered safe in the US
The review did not determine whether the low fluorine level of 0.7 mg/L currently recommended for US community water supplies has any negative effects on children’s IQ.
Another common concern is the impact that fluorine can have on teeth development.
“Very fluoride involved in a tooth that is developing can cause a condition called fluorosis,” Schwartz explained. Fluorosis is mainly a cosmetic issue, ranging from light staining to dark coloring or roughness on the surface of the tooth.
In the light of these concerns, Schwartz said that the American Public Health Service reduced its recommendation on fluoride levels in community water systems in 2015 to achieve a better balance between fluoride benefits and fluorosis risk.
“[This] He further demonstrates that organizations such as CDC and FDA are routinely reviewing levels to ensure maximum security for the US public, “Schwartz said.
Where is the fluorine already removed from the drinking water?
While scientific questions about the dangers and benefits of fluoride remain outstanding, critics argue that people should not be forced to drink it. This has led to an increasing number of communities that reject public health practice.
Since 2010, more than 170 communities across the country have chosen to move the fluorine from their drinking water, including countries like Oneida, New York; Portland, Oregon; And Bucks County, Pennsylvania, according to the fluoride action network, which opposes the practice of adding fluoride to public water supplies.
Last month, Utah made history by becoming the first American state to exceed the growth of fluorine in public drinking water. Anti -fluoride bills have also been introduced in countries such as Northern Dakota, Tennesses and Montana.
Happy what happens when the fluorine is no longer added to the water?
Chi warned that these movements can have severe consequences, especially in low -income communities that rely on drinking water as their main source of fluoride.
“It means more teeth and more teeth that need to be removed, which will make life even more difficult for lower -income families, many of whom already have difficulty finding dentists for their children,” he said.
CHI concerns are not just hypothetical. While only a handful of studies have looked at the effects of fluoride removal, they show a clear trend: the number of cavities increases.
Take Junau, the capital of Alaska, for example. After removing the fluorine from its water in 2007, a 2018 study found that children under 7 years of age in areas without fluoridated water required about 34% more dental procedures than children in fluoridated areas.
“Without improving health in other respects, removing fluoride from water will endanger the oral health of millions of Americans,” Schwartz warned.
What are some alternative fluorine sources?
If you live in a community that has stopped the fluorine or is thinking about it, there are still many ways to make sure you are getting enough of the mineral.
Fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinsing are easy to find in your local store, and for those with high risk of teeth, dentists can prescribe fluoride supplements or offer special treatments to help increase your fluoric intake.
But it is not about brushing your teeth. Fluoride naturally occurs in a variety of foods, including green and black tea, fish, shellfish, oatmeal, raisins and potatoes.
And if you are looking to increase your intake without changing your diet, you can use fluoridized table salt when cooking.
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