Fluoride in drinking water is once more within the highlight. Let's not forget the way it modified our oral health.

Fluoride is back within the news, after incoming US “health czar” Robert F. Kennedy Jr demanded its removal. from drinking water.

At the identical time, the Australian Medical Association (Queensland) recently urged local councils. Re-introduce fluoride for water supply amid rising incidence of foot-and-mouth disease.

So what's fluoride, and why is it so controversial?

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a Natural substance Found in rocks (for instance, the mineral fluorite) in addition to in water sources, soil and plants.

gave The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines recommend Three compounds for fluoridating water: sodium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate and fluorosilicic acid.

Typically, one in all these compounds is added – under rigorously monitored conditions – through the treatment of drinking water before it is shipped to the faucet.

Is it good for our teeth?

Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making tooth enamel thicker. Acid resistant from the bacteria in your mouth.

Adding small amounts of fluoride to drinking water to forestall tooth decay began within the United States in 1945. This resulted in health officials in Colorado City seeing that residents Stained but remarkably healthy teeth.

It was found to have high levels of naturally occurring fluoride within the local water. Research later confirmed that while Excess fluoride can cause cosmetic discoloration.Low concentrations still prevent cavities without harmful unwanted side effects.

Fluoride was added to water for the primary time in Australia. Beaconsfield, Tasmania in 1953.

Today, about 90% of Australians have access to moderately fluoridated water. 0.6 to 1.1 mg/L. It is estimated. Reduction of tooth decay 26–44 percent in Australia.

It depends upon where you reside as different states and regions have different policies. For example, about 28% of Queenslanders Fluoride is not water.

What are people nervous about?

There has all the time been opposition to fluoridation. It includes Argument This is “official overreach” because we cannot simply opt out of drinking tap water.

Oh 2019 study Also claimed that fluoride affected children's IQ. But it's done. Criticized one after the other And an in depth study of 2024 Serious weaknesses in study design.

Plenty of reviews of high-quality studies from many alternative countries, incl US And AustraliaNo evidence of harm was found.

One study followed people. More than 30 yearstesting their IQs at different ages, found no correlation between fluoride levels and IQ scores.

Doing things which are secure.

It is price knowing what's in our drinking water and ensuring it's secure. But discuss toxicity is meaningless without context.

Excessive intake of fluoride can have harmful effects, comparable to weak bones (Skeletal fluorosis). But the important thing word is “excessive”.

anything May be toxic For humans if food is just too much, even water. The amount of fluoride needed to cause harm is way higher than what you get from drinking water.

In Australia, The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends States and territories fluoridate their drinking water supplies within the range of 0.6 to 1.1 mg/L.

Recently, authorities decided to offer bottled water for youngsters under 12 and pregnant women in two distant northern regions. High natural levels of fluoride (1.7 to 1.9 mg/L). The move was taken as a precaution in response to community concerns, not because any antagonistic effects were recorded.

Lessons from fluoride removal sites

There are dangers to adding fluoride to water. Very little. But several recent cases show the true health risks of not fluoridating water.

The Canadian city of Calgary removed fluoride from its drinking water in 2011. Seven to eight years later, children had significantly more cavities. Calgary compared to nearby Edmontonwhich didn't remove fluoride.

In 2015, Buffalo, New York removed fluoride from its water supply. The dental problems got so bad that the parents sued the city for harming her children..

Israel is one other interesting case. Introduction to Nationwide water fluoridation In 2002, there was a big decrease in children's dental problems. Despite the federal government introducing free dental care for youngsters in 2010 – this trend was reversed in 2014, when fluoridation was discontinued.

Equity issue

Evidence has consistently shown that fluoride just isn't only secure, but has significant advantages for oral health.

Some advantages of fluoride may be obtained. Through fluoride toothpaste or fluoride treatment at the dentist.

But dentistry just isn't covered by Medicare. fluoridating water (or table salt, as used in many European countries.) is one in all the fairest ways to be certain that these advantages aren't limited to those that can afford them.