We sought opinons from two groups with different views on drinking water fluoridation (American Dental Association and Fluoride Action Network)
Arguments for …
Throughout more than 60 years of research and practical experience, the overwhelming weight of credible scientific evidence has consistently indicated that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation (along with vaccinations and infectious disease control) as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Studies indicate water fluoridation is effective in reducing dental decay by 20-40 percent, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources.
For most cities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs.
The average cost for a community to fluoridate its water is estimated to range from approximately 50 cents a year per person in large communities to approximately $3 a year per person in small communities.
More than two-thirds of the population in the United States are served by public water systems that are fluoridated.
— American Dental Association
… and against
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies fluoride as a drug when used to prevent or mitigate disease (FDA 2000).
All other water treatment chemicals are added to improve the water’s quality or safety, which fluoride does not do.
- Once fluoride is put in the water it is impossible to control the dose each individual receives because people drink different amounts of water.
- The fluoride goes to everyone regardless of age, health or vulnerability.
- No disease, not even tooth decay, is caused by a “fluoride deficiency.”
— Fluoride Action Network