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Dental News
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a change in standards and guidelines on the fluoridation of American drinking water. Water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste are largely responsible for the significant decline in tooth decay in the U.S. over the past several decades.
The HHS is proposing that the recommended level of fluoride in drinking water can be set at the lowest end of the current 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water replacing the current recommended range of 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams. This updated recommendation is based on recent EPA and HHS scientific assessments to balance the benefits of preventing tooth decay while limiting any unwanted health effects.
There are several reasons for the changes of the EPA and HHA are suggesting, most notably of which is the fact that Americans today have access to more sources of fluoride than they did when water fluoridation was first introduced in the United States in the 1940s. Drinking water is now only one of several sources of fluoride including toothpaste and mouth rinses, prescription fluoride supplements, and fluoride applied by dental professionals.
"One of water fluoridation's biggest advantages is that it benefits all residents of a community-at home, work, school, or play," said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH. "Today's announcement is part of our ongoing support of appropriate fluoridation for community water systems, and its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay throughout one's lifetime."
HHS and EPA reached an understanding of the latest science on fluoride and its effect on tooth decay prevention and the development of dental fluorosis that may occur with excess fluoride consumption during the tooth forming years, age 8 and younger. Dental fluorosis in the United States appears mostly in the very mild or mild form - as barely visible lacy white markings or spots on the enamel. The severe form of dental fluorosis, with staining and pitting of the tooth surface, is rare in the United States.
Related Blog Posts
"Fluoride Phobia" Takes Hold In Canada ( November 18, 2010 )
Fluoride In Nevada's Drinking Water? Thems' Fighting Words! ( May 28, 2009 )
Fluoridated Water Benefits People Of All Ages ( January 27, 2008 )
Friday, January 14, 2011
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I keep seeing articles about the controversy with fluoridation of the drinking water. I understand that this is good for our teeth, but is it ok to actually drink that much fluoride?? I brush my teeth multiple times a day and floss, I also see James Snow DDS, regularly. Is it necessary for someone like me to be ingesting fluoride?
ReplyDeleteThe above post is a perfect example of a "snow job".
ReplyDeletePun intended.
I understand why the HHS is involved in this decision to change the levels of fluoridation in drinking supplies but I think the EPA is interpreting its role under the Clean Water Act a little bit too broadly here. Fluoride is not a toxic, carcinogenic substance but rather a naturally occurring chemical so the Clean Water Act does not apply to its use here.
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