The fluoride-free dentistry movement has recently gained some star power, as actor and environmental advocate Ed Begley Jr. released a new Public Service Announcement (PSA), speaking out against the dated and potentially dangerous practice. The PSA was released in conjunction with the Fluoride Action Network, a leading advocacy group that aims to spread awareness for the toxicity of fluoride among citizens, scientists, and policymakers.
The fluoride free movement continues to see unprecedented momentum in 2013 as Israel announces the phase-out of public water fluoridation requirements. First put into action in 2002, Israel’s fluoridation mandate formerly required all municipalities to treat public water with fluoride. That mandate will be lifted within a year, however, empowering Israeli municipalities to reduce exposure to the potentially toxic mineral by going fluoride free.
The beginning of 2013 has been an eventful and progressive time for the fluoride-free water movement. As of March, at least 9 new communities have put an end to public water fluoridation. Elimination of these programs means an additional 372,626 Americans will be protected from the potentially toxic side effects of fluoride exposure, according to statistics gathered by the Fluoride Action Network.
Is adding fluoride to public drinking water a good thing? For many, the answer seems obvious: Yes. Television commercials, oral hygiene products, and even traditional dentists actively endorse fluoride as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. Many are surprised to learn, however, that there is no clinical evidence to support such a claim. The tide is beginning to turn, and communities across America are putting an end to water fluoridation programs that are not only a danger to residents, but also an unnecessary cost to the municipality.
The Fluoride Action Network is perhaps the most well known fluoride-free advocacy group in the world, comprised of licensed medical professionals, scientists, and health professionals united in the fight against unethical water fluoridation (i). Together, the team seeks to spread global awareness for the toxicity of fluoride among citizens, scientists, and policymakers.
The organization has compiled hundreds of studies from health professionals and research organizations from across the world. According to their findings, here are 10 of the top 50 reasons to oppose water fluoridation:
The number of United States cities and municipalities that have voted to end water fluoridation grew rapidly in 2012. As awareness for the issue continues to spread, an increasingly large number of communities are lobbying for natural drinking water that is completely free of fluoride additives. Among the primary reasons for discontinuing the controversial practice are concerns for the general health of the community, as well as concerns that it may incur an unnecessary financial burden that may not benefit the public at all.
Over the past year, the anti-fluoride movement has gained substantial momentum as communities from across the United States have begun to vote against public water fluoridation. Just recently, 3 communities in Indiana have voted to end the fluoridation of their water supplies. Those communities are Walkerton, North Liberty, and Lakeville, home to a combined 5,000 or more individuals who are now safe from fluoride exposure. Other communities in which the anti-fluoride movement is strong include Wichita, Portland, and Santa Fe.
According to the Journal of Dental Research (Whitford 1987, 1990), there is enough fluoride in a tube of children's fluoride toothpaste to kill an average-weighing child under the age of 9. Why else would the FDA require the following warning label on fluoride toothpaste?
"WARNING: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately."
The 1984 Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products rates lead’s toxicity at 3-4, while fluoride is rated at 4 (3 = moderately toxic; 4 = very toxic).
It may be difficult to believe fluoride is NOT good for you. We have been told by seemingly every dental professional that it is needed and good for us. In a world with store shelves stocked with fluoride toothpastes, mouth rinses, and even fluoridated nursery water, it is hard to believe that fluoride is NOT needed to prevent tooth decay. In fact, there is no clinical evidence that supports the claim that fluoride “prevents tooth decay.” Clinical studies overwhelmingly show using fluoride has adverse effects on your long term health, especially when overexposed.
Dr. Herrmann spoke about “The Evils of Fluoride” at a PATH (Positive Alternative Therapies in Healthcare) meeting at the Miami Science Museum on October 24th. He brought to the audience’s attention that there is a large amount of misinformation regarding fluoride, and the increased use of fluoride has resulted in it being added to our public water, toothpaste and our food (readers may visit our list of the 5 most common fluoride sources to learn more).