kosmos: Opposition to water fluoridation

Evidence: 45 • authority: 92

The status of community water fluoridation in the United States.. Community water fluoridation has served the American public extremely well as the cornerstone of dental caries prevention activities for 45 years. The dental and general health benefits associated with the ingestion of water-borne fluorides have been well known by researchers for an even longer period. Continued research has repeatedly confirmed the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of community water fluoridation in preventing dental caries for Americans regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, educational status, or socioeconomic level. Despite the obvious benefits associated with this proven public health measure,…

Evidence: 45 • authority: 72

Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to a public water supply to reduce tooth decay, and is handled differently by countries across the world. Water fluoridation is considered very common in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Chile and Australia where over 50% of the population drinks fluoridated water. Most European countries including Italy, France, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Scotland, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Switzerland do not fluoridate water, but use fluoridated salt, milk, and toothpastes to reduce cavities. Fluoridated water contains fluoride at a level that is proven effective for preventing cavities; this can occur naturally or by adding fluor…

Evidence: 45 • authority: 72

Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to public water supplies to reduce tooth decay. Fluoridated water maintains fluoride levels effective for cavity prevention, achieved naturally or through supplementation. In the mouth, fluoride slows tooth enamel demineralization and enhances remineralization in early-stage cavities. Defluoridation is necessary when natural fluoride exceeds recommended limits. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends fluoride levels of 0.5–1.5 mg/L, depending on climate and other factors. In the U.S., the recommended level has been 0.7 mg/L since 2015, lowered from 1.2 mg/L. Bottled water often has unknown fluoride levels. Tooth decay affects…

Evidence: 45 • authority: 80

“Fluoridation” of public water supplies

Evidence: 45 • authority: 72

Opposition to the addition of fluoride to drinking water arises from political, ethical, economic, and health considerations. International and national agencies and dental associations across the world support the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation. Proponents see it as a question of public health policy and equate the issue to vaccination and food fortification, citing significant benefits to dental health and minimal risks. In contrast, opponents view it as an infringement of individual rights, if not an outright violation of medical ethics, on the basis that individuals have no choice in the water that they drink, unless they drink more expensive bottled water. A small minor…

Evidence: 33 • authority: 80

CAN FACTS SUCCESSFULLY OVERCOME THE OPPOSITION TO WATER FLUORIDATION?*

Evidence: 33 • authority: 80

Liberating voices: exposing sentiments, discrediting misinformation and engaging opposition to forge solutions in water fluoridation info-wars

Evidence: 33 • authority: 72

Water supply and sanitation in the United States involves a number of issues including water scarcity, pollution, a backlog of investment, concerns about the affordability of water for the poorest, and a rapidly retiring workforce. Increased variability and intensity of rainfall as a result of climate change is expected to produce both more severe droughts and flooding, with potentially serious consequences for water supply and for pollution from combined sewer overflows. Droughts are likely to particularly affect the 66 percent of Americans whose communities depend on surface water. As for drinking water quality, there are concerns about disinfection by-products, lead, perchlorates, PFAS a…

Evidence: 33 • authority: 88

Communities Benefit from Water Fluoridation: Water fluoridation is safe, effective, and saves communities money. Water Fluoridation is safe, effective, and saves communities money. Water fluoridation improves oral health and reaches everyone in the community. CS289123-C Publication date from document properties. Infographic-Communities-benefit-from-water-fluoridation-h.pdf

Evidence: — • authority: 80

US celebrates 75 years of community water fluoridation

Evidence: — • authority: 80

The Costly Effects of US Water Fluoridation

Evidence: — • authority: 80

US celebrates 60 years of water fluoridation