Despite no clinical evidence to support that the mineral helps [...]
Since being officially classified as a neurotoxin, parents are growing more [...]
The Cochrane Collaboration uncovered one interesting study in particular. In 2001, a report found that amongst two adjacent British Columbia communities, one of which ceased water fluoridation and the other remained constant, the community that stopped water fluoridation actually saw rates of cavities amongst schoolchildren decrease. This study is one of many that prove fluoride has no effect, or potentially a more detrimental affect, on tooth decay in children. Read more about this ground breaking study.
Now, public frustration with fluoride side effects has been compounded by the general lack of oversight the industry employs when sourcing, delivering, and monitoring fluoride distribution via public water systems. Recently, Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski commented on this issue, reprimanding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for failing to inspect fluoride additives that are imported from China and added directly to U.S. water supplies.
Fluorosis—a permanent discoloring of the teeth—is on the rise amongst teenagers, affecting a reported 41% of young boys and girls. In response to this statistic, the United States Department of Health and Human Services concedes that the fluoride content of public water should be lowered to about 0.7mg/L, a full 30% lower than the current legal threshold maintained by many communities in the U.S. Uncertain of the long-term effects, the Department of Health and Human Services says a follow-up evaluation will be conducted in 10 years to evaluate the impact the recent change has on the rate of fluorosis amongst America’s children.
Over-exposure to fluoride is common and may cause a variety of serious side effects, including dental fluorosis (permanent discoloration of enamel), thyroid disease, kidney disease, and lowered IQ in children, just to name a few. Now, a new study links fluoride consumption with increased rates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children.
The New Year is here, and for many people that usually means one thing: It’s time to recommit to better health, wellness, and happiness! As we reflect on 2014, the editor’s of the Miami Dentist Blog would like to highlight a few of our most-read articles on oral health and total body wellness. From everyone at Assure A Smile, we wish you and your family a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Since 1990, the fluoride free movement has increased education, awareness, and fought for the freedom of choice for residents of communities around the world. According to representatives at the Fluoride Action Network, 2014 marks the single best year for the fluoride free movement to date. In total, the movement has eliminated fluoride in the communities of more than 14 million people globally.
This year has been a big one for the fluoride free movement. Since 1990, dozens of communities around the world have eliminated water fluoridation programs. In that time, an estimated 14 million individuals have been freed from fluoride, according to numbers gathered by the Fluoride Action Network. In the Sunshine State, commissioners in Hernando County recently voted to go fluoride free, protecting nearly 175,000 Florida residents from the potentially toxic side effects of such programs.
Is fluoride safe? The question is divisive, separating two main factions of health professionals that have very different opinions on the matter. Those in favor of the outdated practice say adding fluoride to public drinking water is a safe way to prevent tooth decay. Those opposed to fluoride disagree, urging Americans to consider that there is no clinical evidence that supports fluoride’s ability to reduce tooth decay. By contrast, there are countless studies that correlate fluoride consumption with severe illness, arthritis, and even death. This November, several Canadian communities will have the chance to voice their opinion on the controversial topic.