The reason I called these last 2 posts the fluoride wars is
because there are such strong feelings on both sides. I have spent time looking
at all the websites of the health and dental organizations (Canadian Dental
Association, World Health Association, Health Canada, American Dental
Association etc...) and they all strongly promote the use of fluoridated water,
insisting it is safe and effective. Being a dental professional I was initially
inclined to believe these sites. I felt like I was going over to the "dark
side" when I would look at the anti-fluoride sites. However now I am
inclined to agree with the anti-fluoridation side, if for no other reason
than for lack of consent (point 6). Anyways, here are some key points
that I have learned through my research on the dark side:
Pro-fluoridation ads:
Anti-fluoridation ads:
Pro-fluoridation ads:
Anti-fluoridation ads:
1. There is no evidence that proves fluoride ingestion is useful in cavity prevention. The original study on which the whole water fluoridation program is based is largely flawed. It consisted of basically dosing the water of one town with fluoride, and then observing whether or not the rate of decay decreased. There was no “control group”, and the study was preformed soon after WWII. This is significant because life in general got better. There was more access to better food and health care. This was never accounted for in the study. In fact there were many European cities/countries that also experienced a decrease in tooth decay after the war and they were not fluoridated.
2. An
important and often overlooked point, LACK OF FLUORIDE DOES NOT CAUSE TOOTH
DECAY. Cavities are formed when a
specific bacteria (streptococcus mutans) in your mouth combines with sugar and
produces a spike in acid. The acid erodes the enamel of your tooth, creating a
cavity. Too much dietary sugar is the
root cause of cavities. Diligent plaque
control (brushing AND flossing) is also important. Controlling the amount of sugar you consume
(whether it is through drinking or eating) is the key to eliminating cavities.
It is a good idea to have the habit of reading the nutritional labels of the
food you buy. You would be surprised how much sugar is in most processed
foods. The frequency of sugar
consumption is also an important factor. If you are snacking on sugary foods,
or sipping sugary drinks throughout the day, you are asking for trouble.
3. Dental
fluorosis (mottled looking teeth) is considered to be the only “side effect” of
ingesting too much fluoride by the pro fluoride side. No thought is given as to
how it effects the rest of our body after being absorbed. It is thought that fluoride may affect our
thyroid, reproductive system, and increase the brittleness of our bones. Some studies suggest it may also increase
hyperactivity in kids.
4. Even
if studies did show benefits of fluoride ingestion, it should then be
considered a drug and not just dumped into the water system. We don’t mass dose the population for any
other kind of medical condition, so why are we doing it for tooth decay?
Fluoride consumption becomes completely unmonitored: people who drink more water get more
fluoride. Fluoride also gets filtered into all foods that are processed with
water, so we have no idea how much we are actually consuming.
5. BABY FORMULA SHOULD NOT BE MADE WITH TAP
WATER, as you will end up over dosing your baby with fluoride. This is bad not
only for all the reason stated in #3, but also because fluoride is a great
irritator of the digestive system. Ever feel nauseous after the fluoride
treatment at the dentist? There is the
thought that too much fluoride in babies may be a factor in some cases of
colic. If you formula feed your baby, you must use either distilled water or
water filtered via reverse osmosis. (fluoride is not removed during the boiling
process and instead becomes more concentrated). Mothers who breast feed their
babies do not have the same concerns as the mom’s body filters out almost all
fluoride.
6. And
finally (there are other points I have not talked about but since this is a
blog and not a bookJ
I am limiting myself to these six points),
hydrofluorosilicic acid, which is
classified as a toxic chemical, is a by product of the phosphate commercial fertilizer
industry. Why is this important? Because
this is the source of fluoride that is put in our tap water!! Even if fluoride does have benefits in water,
why are we using a toxic waste product as the source?
So how does fluoride really fit into our system for good
oral health? It is a mineral that resides in the microscopic and protective
layer covering our teeth. Other minerals such as calcium and phosphorus also
reside here. It binds with the tooth structure, and dissolves slower in an acid
attack than the tooth enamel. Without getting into details (this blog is long
enough!) it can also help with tooth sensitivity. In other words, fluoride has benefits when
applied topically to the teeth, but should not be ingested.
There needs to be a change in our dental system that sees
fluoride as a client specific treatment. Those at higher risk for caries may
benefit from a topical fluoride treatment. They will probably also benefit from
diet counselling. You can be
proactive when you see your dental hygienist and ask them why they think you
would benefit from a fluoride treatment if they are recommending it to
you. You can also request a fluoride
varnish instead of the usual mouth rinse, gel or foam treatment. Fluoride
varnishes have the benefit of better uptake by the tooth enamel. It also forms
an insoluble compound when it comes in contact with saliva, meaning any you
might swallow will not be absorbed by your body.
Your blog is very informative.
ReplyDeleteDental hygiene program in Canada
Thanks for this blog I found it really interesting. Recently I've been looking for a dentist in Calgary and this should help me know what to look for.
ReplyDeleteAmazing article! Thank you so much for posting this, it is packed to the brim with amazing facts.thanks for sharing us.dental products in chennai
ReplyDeleteHe was the most professional dentist I've have ever met. His office and staff were really far beyond other dentists. My recent visit at his office with my friend was incredible.
ReplyDeletedentist Torrance
I see a San Ramon Dentist that would love to add her thoughts to this discussion.
ReplyDeleteBeing a dentist in Gilbert, i myself realize that we should not pay any heed to the propaganda and promote all the values associated with maintaining good oral hygiene. Thumbs up for the blog post
ReplyDeleteThumbs up for this article Ma'am! You are very strong enough to reveal to us the other side of fluoride to our health. I would like to share this to all My friends and I supposed that every person who are very fanatic in using fluoride must read this.
ReplyDelete-Xerxes
Manhattan dental clinic
Thanks for sharing the information about fluoride. Got to hear something new.
ReplyDelete- Cosmetic dentist in Calgary
Flouride has benefits when applied topically to the teeth, while brushing teeth. Thanks for sharing more information on the positive and negative part about fluoride. Such things are very important, while finding jobs in dentistry on various location of Ontario.
ReplyDeleteI must appreciate your knowledge skills and definitely thumbs up for your informative post. Keep posting such kind of guides and keep guiding people about how to live a healthy life.
ReplyDeleteOptimized360 Design Websites for Irvine Endodontist to enhance their Practice.
Such an amazing post you have with the amazing title "The Fluoride War, Part Two". These ideas are superb and helps the people to know about oral hygiene. Many dentists are there helping the people to do such things that help them to have a great smile and get Dental treatment Abroad if have any problem.
ReplyDeleteYou are share great information, thanks for share this types of knowledge.we are giving services like We are Focus on delivering state of the art Dental Care, including Dental Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry. Located at the Paris End of Collins Street, Melbourne. If you want to know more please click here
ReplyDeleteCosmetic dentist
I'm really confuse regarding this issue, I don't know what should I believe but what is important is to be more careful on the things that we are using. There are lots of ingredients or chemicals that helps us and in the same time dangerous to us if we over use them. Thanks for sharing this one.
ReplyDeleteGeneral Dentistry Aloha
Nice post, full of good info...
ReplyDeletewaschraumhygiene
Great post i read your article is superb . This is given good information , We are givening We are Focus on delivering state of the art Dental Care, including Dental Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry. Located at the Paris End of Collins Street. If you want to know more Please Click Here
ReplyDeleteCosmetic dentist
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePerfect. Dr. Sina also said the same thing about cosmetic dentistry in Surrey.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.esteticaa.co.uk/cosmetic-dentistry-dentist-surrey.html for more information
Cosmetic Dentistry Surrey
DeleteAs a dentist near Chicago , I am a pro-fluoride man.
ReplyDeleteFamily Dentistry Aurora CO
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! The topic of Fluoride is always an interesting one because there so many different views. Thank you for posting this. http://archpointid.com/
ReplyDeletedasdsadsa
ReplyDeleteA Dental Hygiene Student who refused the F treatment long before even going to dental hygiene school.
ReplyDeleteKudosfor the very precise article.
http://talesofdentalhygieneguy.blogspot.com/
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your valuable information. We strive to provide our candidates with excellent care and we take your comments to heart.As always, we appreciate your confidence and trust in us.
ReplyDeleteBest Dental Clinic In Velachery
Best Laser Clinic In Chennai
I love your blog. It has so much valuable information suitable for everyone. Thanks you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bruceehowelldds.com/
Accelerated Dental provides complete dental care services in Las Vegas at affordable prices. We offer Dental Implants, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Services.
ReplyDeleteCosmetic Dentistry also called as 'Esthetic Dentistry' is offered by experienced dentists who strive to combine function with esthetics. People with inborn defects can also approach esthetic dentists for restoration of the deformation. German dentist in dubai
ReplyDeleteAdult day health care centers are for senior citizens who need skilled nursing and rehabilitative therapy services in addition to providing excellent personal care services. These registered nurses and rehabilitative therapists always act under the supervision of the senior citizen's physician. diabetic diet arbys
ReplyDelete