Fluoride is a mineral that is very controversial in dentistry. Years ago, it was observed that communities with naturally high amounts of fluoride in the water supply had a lower incidence of dental cavities. It has been proven that this mineral can reduce dental disease.

Unfortunately, fluoride is also very toxic in large amounts. It has been added to the public drinking water in many larger communities. The type of fluoride added to the water supply is not pharmaceutical grade but sometimes a filtered industrial by-product. Some consume a lot of water and others only a minimal amount. I believe that any therapeutic medication requiring a specific dose range needs a controlled delivery system that can be confirmed. With public water fluoridation we cannot predict how much fluoride our population is actually ingesting. Recently, The American Dental Association lowered its recommended amount in the water supply to 0.7 parts per million.

Why the change? The most recent data showed that 41% of ages 12 to 15 were showing fluorosis with brown or yellow spots on forming enamel. Many believe that increasing rates of cancer and osteoporosis are due to fluoride levels. Many Canadian communities and European countries have discontinued their use of fluoride in the water supply. China continues to sell us their industrially produced fluoride but does not put it in their water. Some even correlate high fluoride levels in children with lower IQs.

I do not believe we should put any therapeutic substances into our water supplies. Sometimes, I will prescribe a fluoride vitamin or supplement when the individual has shown the tendencies towards tooth decay/erosion and other strategies are not getting traction. Again, a controlled minimal amount can be worth the risk in specific situations. I will not recommend fluoride toothpastes for infants and will make sure that a person’s total fluoride intake is minimized. Do not swallow your Crest or Colgate and rinse thoroughly.

Many pediatric dentists provide fluoride gel treatments for their patients. This practice is okay for those children with a history of rampant cavities and poor oral hygiene but should not be used routinely as a profit center. The unforeseen negative health effects of fluoridation should justify further elimination of fluoride in our public water supplies.

Dr. Alan Ross, Keene Family Dental, 67 Mechanic Street, Keene, NH 03431 Phone: 603-357-6767