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Fluoride
by Mark A. Breiner DDS
I have talked about the dangers of fluoride in our drinking water for decades. People holding similar views have been labeled as quacks, communists and conspiracy theorists. As a holistic dentist deeply concerned about the impact of dental practices on overall health, it’s only natural to have investigated this and come to the conclusion that fluoride in drinking water is not a good idea. Recent developments and ongoing research have vindicated my position.
Traditionally, the dental community advocated for water fluoridation under the belief that systemic ingestion of fluoride during tooth development will strengthen enamel and prevent decay. However, research challenges this notion and it is now widely accepted that fluoride’s primary benefit is topical, meaning it works on the surface of the teeth rather than from within the body. This raises a critical question: if fluoride’s advantages are topical, why are we ingesting it through our water supply? Also, does it make sense to have a 7 pound baby ingest the same amount of fluoride when drinking a glass of water as a 200 pound man? We would never do this with any other drug. Also, is it moral to mass medicate something as essential as drinking water?
Beyond its questionable efficacy, fluoride poses several health risks that cannot be ignored. Studies have linked fluoride ingestion to an increased risk of hip fracture, birth defects, cancer, arthritis, thyroid dysfunction, and even a reduction in IQ levels. Dental fluorosis, a condition resulting from excessive fluoride intake during tooth development, affects approximately 50% of individuals in fluoridated areas, leading to enamel defects that are often dismissed as merely cosmetic. However, these enamel changes signal deeper systemic issues, as fluoride interference with collagen formation in the enamel can also be affecting collagen in the rest of the body.
The history of water fluoridation is marked by industrial interests and misinformation. Fluoride is a byproduct of various industrial processes, including the production of steel, aluminum, high octane gasoline, pesticides, and Teflon. In the mid 20th century, industries faced numerous lawsuits due to fluoride’s detrimental effects on people, crops and livestock. To mitigate these legal challenges and rebrand fluoride’s public image, a false narrative was constructed promoting fluoride as a dental health benefit, leading to its addition to public water supplies. This strategic move diverted attention from industrial pollution and positioned fluoride as a preventative health measure, despite the lack of conclusive evidence supporting its safety and efficacy in reducing tooth decay.
In recent years there have been notable shifts in the conversation surrounding fluoride. For instance the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action against companies like DuPont for concealing the harmful effects of fluoride exposure among workers involved in Teflon production. Such developments indicate a growing acknowledgement of fluoride’s potential dangers and a move towards greater transparency and accountability In areas not related to water fluoridation. I say this because the American Dental Association and the Environmental Protection Agency are very stubborn on their stand with regards to water fluoridation.
Recent legal developments have significantly influenced the ongoing debate surrounding water fluoridation in the United states. In September 2024, a pivotal ruling by a federal District Court in California mandated that the US Environmental Protection Agency strengthen its regulations concerning fluoride levels in drinking water. The court determined that the current fluoridation level of .7 milligrams per liter poses an unreasonable risk of reduced IQ in children, necessitating regulatory action by the EPA.
This decision emerged from a lawsuit initiated in 2017 by environmental and public health advocacy groups, including Food and Water Watch. The plaintiffs argued that fluoride exposure at prevailing levels is linked to neurodevelopmental issues in children. The court acknowledged substantial and scientifically credible evidence supporting this claim, highlighting associations between fluoride exposure and decreased IQ levels in children.
While the ruling does not impose an immediate ban on water fluoridation, it compels the EPA to reassess and potentially revise its standards to mitigate identified risks. The court emphasized that the EPA cannot disregard the presented evidence and must engage in a regulatory response to address the potential hazards of fluoride in drinking water.
In reaction to the ruling, various communities across the nation have reevaluated their water fluoridation policies. For instance, Yorktown, NY ceased adding fluoride to its drinking water, reflecting a broader trend of municipalities reconsidering the practice amid growing public concern and legal scrutiny.
Despite these legal and community actions, major health organizations, including the American Dental Association(ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) continue to endorse water fluoridation as a safe and effective measure for preventing tooth decay. The ADA reaffirmed its stance following the court’s decision, emphasizing the dental health benefits of community water fluoridation. Mind you, there has never been a study showing that fluoride in drinking water decreases tooth decay! Hopefully, things will change in the near future as RFK,JR. has said he will recommend that the CDC no longer encourage water fluoridation.
As we continue to uncover the complex interactions between dental practices and overall health, it is crucial to remain vigilant and question long standing assumptions. The case of fluoride in drinking water exemplifies the need for ongoing research, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the public’s well-being. By prioritizing informed choice and individual autonomy we can move towards a more holistic and health conscious approach to dentistry and wellness.
39 New London Turnpike Suite 120
Glastonbury, CT 06033
