Despite the popular belief that fluoridation of water reduces the incidence of cavities in kids, it has long been a very controversial topic for so long.
The History of Water Fluoridation:
In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first community in the world to add fluoride to tap water. This was base on observational work that natural occurring fluoride in the water systems may reduce cavities. Since 1945, this has been discussed as one of the greatest accomplishments of the 20th Century. But is it really?
As of 2001, the CDC reviewed data on the effectiveness of fluoride and dental cavities. They found that food, dental sealants and topical fluoride are the 3 things that have enough evidence for cavity prevention. There is not enough evidence for oral fluoride supplements or fluoridated water.
In 2012, Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and China Medical University in Shenyang, did a meta-analysis of 27 studies and found a strong correlation between water fluoridation and abnormal neurological development. However, there were many confounders and the levels of fluoride in the studies was much higher then in the US.
In 2015, The Cochrane Collaboration, looked at 155 studies and found insufficient evidence to determine whether water fluoridation decreases cavities in children. Out of all the studies reviewed, none had adequate information to determine the effectiveness of fluoride on cavity prevention in adults.
Here is a look at the date on cavity trends around the world despite lack of water fluoridation
In the latest publication by JAMA Pediatrics, reviewed by David C. Bellinger, PhD, MSc, from Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, A link is shown between maternal fluoride exposure and decrease in children’s IQ.
Let’s Discuss:
512 mother-child pairs from Canada were recruited during pregnancy and followed until the kids were around 3-4 years of age
At 3 points during pregnancy, the moms had their urinary fluoride concentrations measured
Children IQs were assessed at 3 & 4 yrs old
Conclusions:
Women living in areas with water fluorination had higher levels of fluoride in their urine
For each 1mg/L of fluoride in urine there was associated drop of 4.5 IQ points in boys
For every 1mg of ingested fluoride there was an associated drop of 3.5 IQ points for both girls and boys
Interesting Facts:
Only 3% of Europe has fluoride in their city water
We used to have the same controversy about lead
What to do:
Pregnant mamas don’t panic!!!!
Pregnant mamas please drink spring water, put it in glass bottles
Use spring water for mixing baby formulas
Pregnant mama’s don’t brush your teeth with fluorinated toothpaste
Fluoride is naturally occurring in some foods and the environment
Dental Care:
Topical fluoride varnish on teeth is cavity protectant and the kids generally do not swallow significant quantities. Varnish goes on the teeth where it’s needed. Fluoride is protective when applied to where it is actually needed, not full body and then some ends up in the saliva.
Kids under the age of 3 do not need toothpaste
See your dentist at least twice a year to asses for cavities.
Dental sealants are protective, but then we get in to the plastic issue
Obviously, brush and floss the kids teeth
No fluoride supplements
Juice, soda, sport drinks, fruit pouches , candy, cookies, gummies, processed foods, fast food, night time bottles, chocolate milk, breakfast cereal, all contribute to cavities
In our society we have been using fluoride in our water to counteract the horrid dental affects of the American diet!!!
Conclusion
This is one of many studies to come. We still need more information. But why wait until too much damage has been done. To replicate this study, it will take 5 more years at least. Let’s make some changes now.
WATER FILTER REVIEW
BEWARE: Carbon filters are not effective. No Brita or faucet-mounted filters remove fluoride.
Types of filters that are effective:
- Reverse Osmosis
- Gravity Filters
- Some water filter pitchers
There are many options out there. Here we compiled our favorites based on an extensive investigation.
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Portable
- Note: Clearly Filtered also offers a filter that attaches to any refrigerator water line.
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Filters only last a few months
- ~$60 plus the cost of replacement filters
Berkey Gravity Water Filter System
Pros:
- No install
- Very effective
- Will filter any water other than salt water, even pond or lake water
- Totally portable/Great for travel
- No waste
- Leaves good minerals intact
- Cleanable, reusable filters
Cons:
- Expensive
- Must be refilled
- Slower process
- Ranges from $250 (1.5 gallons)-$700 (6 gallons)
RCC7 Reverse Osmosis
Pros:
- Competitive price
- Installs under sink
- Removes over 1000 contaminants including fluoride
Cons:
- Water waste, 3 gallons per 1 gallon cleaned
- Requires space and installation process
- Removes all minerals, key minerals have to be added back in
- ~$185
Pros:
- Removes all kinds of organic and inorganic contaminants
- Convenient
- Easy install
- WQU Gold Certification (highest rating in water filtration)
Cons:
- Wastes water (3-4 gallons for every gallon of filtered water produced)
- Filters out good minerals as well, minerals need to be added back in
- Water pressure needed
- ~$190
Home Master TMJRF2-BK Jr F2 Reverse Osmosis
Pros:
- Highly effective
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Unattractive, unit sits on countertop
- Water waste
- Removes all minerals, minerals must be added back in
- Filter only lasts about 3 months
- ~$85
Hope this sheds some light on this heated topic.
In good health, Dr. Ana-Maria
