Sandpoint needs to stop outdated fluoridation

Swallowing fluoride does not prevent tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fluoride’s “predominant effect is posteruptive and topical.” In other words, benefits from fluoride come from direct application to the outside of teeth; not from ingestion.  Swallowing fluoride can also be harmful (read your toothpaste).

The CDC says 32 percent of American children have dental fluorosis — a white chalky appearance caused by excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development. Fluorosis is visible evidence of fluoride’s effect on bones and should not be dismissed as a “cosmetic.” The first signs of skeletal fluorosis are aching joints. Advanced symptoms are identical to arthritis.

Kentucky is ranked second worst in the U.S. for oral health despite being the most fluoridated state in the country (99.8 percent of residents receive fluoridated water). Coincidently the CDC also reports, “Kentucky has one of the highest arthritis prevalence rates in the nation.” There are over 2,000 scientific, medical, and environmental professionals calling for an end to fluoridation. In 2006, the American Dental Association advised that parents avoid giving babies fluoridated water due to high risk of dental fluorosis.

Most countries don’t fluoridate. Most cities in Idaho don’t fluoridate. World Health Organization data shows that tooth decay has declined worldwide regardless of fluoridation status.

A study of two New York cities, Newburgh and Kingston, shows no significant differences in cavities. Fluoridated Newburgh shows significantly higher incidence of dental fluorosis.

Many dental professionals aren’t aware that the silicofluoride added to Sandpoint’s water comes from pollution control systems of phosphate fertilizer plants; not pharmaceutical grade fluoride prescribed by doctors. Dr. Hirzy, vice president of EPA Headquarters Union, said “(i)f this stuff gets out into the air, it’s a pollutant; if it gets into the river, it’s a pollutant; if it gets into the lake it’s a pollutant; but if it goes right into your drinking water system, it’s not a pollutant.”

That’s amazing …

The only justification for fluoridation is medical. City officials should stop medicating people without informed consent. The proposition that water fluoridation improves oral health is outdated. The city shouldn’t spend $100,000 on a new fluoridation unit to continue a practice that is ineffective, potentially harmful and contradictory to individual liberty.

TAMMY POWELL

Sandpoint